NavTools - The Navigators

Part four of four:

The Life Witness of a Leader

If you have even one person following you, you’re a leader! And as a leader, one of your most important roles is witnessing. When we say witnessing, we’re mainly talking about living as a witness in everyday life. You invite a friend shopping, to the ballgame, or out to lunch. How you treat the people around you is your life witness and speaks volumes. Memorize these verses to help your life witness as a leader.

1. Witness by Love
Love is the greatest language. It can communicate vast ideas, as shown in the Bible. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Memorize the following verse (also John 15:12; Luke 6:27,28) and you will be a greater witness by love.

Witness by Love

1 Thessalonians 3:12
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

2. Witness by Life
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel. When necessary, use words.” There are hundreds of ways to be a witness for Christ without using words. Witnessing is not simply an activity, it’s a way of life. Memorize this (also Ephesians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 8:9) and your life will provide a better witness.

3. Witness by Justice
Followers of Jesus are called to help the downtrodden, care for those who are sick, and find the lost. This is the example set forth by Jesus (see Luke 15, for example). We are called to fight for justice, not with a sword, but with love and peace. Memorize this (also Psalm 106:3; Proverbs 21:3) and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, promote justice in your world.

4. Witness by Word
We can witness by loving people, by our life or example, and even by bringing justice to the world. But at some point we are going to have to talk about our faith. This is witness by our words. If we do not speak to our friends about Christ, we do them an eternal disservice. If we do not share the hope that we have with those around us, we also leave our actions spiritually powerless. Memorize this (and Luke 6:45; 1 Corinthians 2:12,13) and you will improve the extent to which you are a witness by word.

Conclusion
This special four-part Memorize This series (and the book by the same title; see below) is designed to assist you in each stage of your journey with Christ—to help you celebrate the excitement, adventure, and fun as well as carry you through the challenges, struggles, and difficulties of life. But don’t stop now. Continue to use the Bible to guide your journey with Christ.

Build on the pattern you have developed to memorize Scripture by finding a new study or memorization program you can use. Ask a mentor to help you develop a next step.

Resist the temptation to stop, plateau, or put spiritual work to the side. Look to God, who has been with you thus far, to guide you and cheer you on in your desire to memorize and take Him at His word!