The Benefits of Witnessing
We often look at witnessing as being an activity that is primarily beneficial to the recipient of the witnessing endeavor. It is, after all, their salvation that is at stake. But, there is an oft ignored benefit to the one who is doing the witnessing -- and it is a significant one.
One of the reasons that God has commissioned us to evangelize, is that doing so is a critical part of growing spiritually. In order to be an effective witness, one needs to have a close connection with God. Of the many reasons why this is true, a key reason is that in order to be a convincing proponent of anything, one must be fully immersed and knowledgeable about that thing.
We wouldn't take financial advice from someone who has problems managing their own money, nor would we take technology advice from someone whose own technology is rundown and inadequate. We would be somewhat reticent to take the word of someone who claimed who would win any particular sporting event, but couldn't display a firm grasp of the current participants or their history. In short, whatever the topic, ones ability to convince others to accept or consider something is very dependent upon ones own foundation in that subject.
This is even more true of witnessing, because we cannot *convince* anyone to accept God. That's God's job. All we do is tell of our own experiences with God -- what He has done for us and through us. And when we rely on Him to assist us in this work, it enhances our own experience, and adds to the body of evidence about His power, His goodness, and His love and mercy.
Being an effective witness entails maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer and Bible study, and being receptive to be placed into circumstances where people need spiritual assistance. When dealing with people who do not believe in God, it requires Divine strength to be able to respond both accurately and appropriately, because as a witness, how you respond is every bit a part of your message as what you have to say in the first place.
God has promised us that He will guide us in all such circumstances:
Mark 13:9-11 KJV
(9) But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
(10) And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
(11) But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
John 14:26 KJV
(26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 KJV
(10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
(11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
(12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
(13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
And as we each witness, our faith is strengthened -- not just as we see people come to understand and accept the message of salvation, but was we see God working through us and giving us wisdom and understanding and strength to be to be effective witnesses.
But, it starts with having a connection with Jesus, and letting people know of our relationship. If we keep it to ourselves, we will essentially stunt our own spiritual growth. It is this aspect of witnessing that many people are unfortunately ignorant of.
Those who take that first step in faith, find that their faith is abundantly rewarded, and that subsequent steps are made easier. Those who do not, find that the way ahead looks harder and harder. We do ourselves an injustice when we do not follow the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
(18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
(19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.