it's all relative...?

Caleb (name changed) told me to look out the window while we were strolling around the cash registers at work. I peered out, and saw a van covered with the words, "Jesus Reigns, Jesus Loves You, Jesus is God, Jesus Died for You." And Caleb told me, "See that van? That's why I don't go to church." And I agreed.

I wonder, what were the owners of the van trying to show? Do they expect to 'scare' people into becoming full-hearted followers of Jesus? Do they expect them to suddenly be filled with a burning desire for God? Do they expect them to get out at the red light and ask to receive Jesus into their life? Possible. But not likely. So what do they expect? "That's why I don't go to church," he said.

Witnessing is a hard thing. Part of us wants to keep quiet, we don't want to get into any uncomfortable arenas. And Satan, you know he doesn't want you telling anyone about Jesus. But if you can gather the courage and willpower, you can do it. But how? What will make someone want to accept Jesus just if they hear your words? It took miracles--and for some, miracles weren't enough!--to convince people of Jesus' deity. Is street preaching always the best way to go? Is climbing up a flagpole and screaming, "Jesus is God, save your souls or burn in hell!" gonna make them fall on their knees and repent of their sins? Probably not.

It's all relational. Driving a big beige bus with Jesus stickers all over it isn't going to reap followers. And most of the time, neither is street preaching or wearing Christian t-shirts or jewelry. Buddha incense lighters and ashtrays are commonplace; when you see one, do you want to live in a monastery and become a monk? Most of us wouldn't even think twice about it, or for the most part, not even once! My friends, it is relational.

Jesus sat down with sinners; he knelt and made the blind see; he stayed with Mary and Martha in their home; he gave his most intimate messages to his closest friends. It is relational. Jesus knew this. People won't respect you when you witness unless they know you, and only if your actions back up what you're saying. If you were an apple, you wouldn't listen to another apple saying, "Become a pineapple like me." Crude comparison, but you get the point, don't you? You have to be genuine. It's about genuine relationships. God puts people in our lives so that we can witness to them. A stranger won't really listen to you, but a friend would.

Oh. And don't make friendships just to witness. Care for their souls, yes. But be there for them. Laugh with them. Cry with them. Be genuine. To build a friendship for the sole purpose of bringing them to Jesus is a shallow relationship, and will probably crumble. Be genuine, in your friendships, your witnessing, and your life. And then--only then--will people listen.