You are My Witness

By: Elizabeth Marks

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:16-17 (NKJV)

When Paul wrote letters, he fully expected those letters would be read aloud for all to hear. He encouraged the Colossians not only to read the letter but personally take the message to Laodicea and read it to everyone there. He wanted this message to be shared with others in the body of Christ. Do we think about the bible the same way? Do we read it aloud among our friends and family? Do we take it with us wherever we go, that we might share it with others along the way? If not, why?

Jesus told his followers what they were to do, now that Jesus was going back to heaven. Acts 1:7-8: 7 “And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” He said they would be witnesses of Him.

What does a witness do? From a court of law standpoint, a witness can be crucial to whether a case is won or lost. A witness, especially an eye-witness, has knowledge about what is being discussed. They can shed light on the matter that no one else can. They have “inside” knowledge.

Now, apply that description to yourself. You are a witness of Jesus Christ. You have first hand knowledge of how Christ changed your life by setting you free from your sins and giving you a new life by His Holy Spirit in you.

We are to be the salt & light of the world according to Matthew 5:13-16: 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

From Matthew 5:13 above we see that it takes effort to stay “salty”. We need to be diligent in our relationship with Christ that we may be flavorful to the world. From Matthew 5:15-16 above we see that we should not hid our light, but instead let it shine for all to see. What’s preventing you from letting your light shine today? Pray and ask God for His wisdom, power and discernment about how to stare His glorious news with others.

May all who read this “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

Author Resource:- Elizabeth Marks was born and raised in Southern California. After being married for 10 years with a five year old son, her and her husband were on the brink of divorce in late 1999. During that dark time, they both came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through Saddleback Church’s Celebrate Recovery program. From that moment on, everything changed. Life was new again! Now filled with the God’s love, their hearts are renewed, their marriage restored and they were blessed with a second son in 2004!

Now grateful for God’s second chance, Elizabeth and husband, Steve, have celebrated 18 years of marriage in 2006. Elizabeth has a heart full of passion for encouraging and strengthening fellow believers through her words. Need some hope? Go to Think On It Devotions for daily renewal from God’s Word.

Article Source: Christian Article Bank

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You are My Witness