ACTS 1:6-8
Several years ago, all of America and the world were appalled over newspaper reports regarding public apathy and indifference toward people in trouble. For instance, there was the case of 28 year old Kitty Genovese, who was stalked by a man in Kew Gardens, New York and stabbed to death.
The victim was attacked 3 different times before she died, twice the villain left the scene, once driving off in his car, but no one raised a finger to help or even notify the proper authorities. Miss Genovese did not die until stabbed the third time, nearly a half hour after the first attack. Investigating officials reported that at least 38 persons saw the slaying or heard her screams without notifying police! One witness was quoted as saying, “I didn’t want to get involved.” Another said, “I was tired; I went back to bed.’
Too often that is our excuse for not sharing our faith. We become apathetic towards lost people and make excuses for not caring. Yet God wants us to be effective. To be effective it requires that I prioritize my witnessing. Witnessing for Christ should be a major priority in my life.
One of the highest callings for a Christian is to be a witness for Jesus. The Bible says in (Daniel 12:3 NKJV) “Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.” The greatest work which we can do is to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ.
The central function of the church on earth is to reach the lost. Christ taught us in (Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Our life is to be a witness to those we come in contact with, because evangelism is a priority with God. The Apostle Peter stated in (2 Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Are we thankful the Gospel message is extended to all and for our privilege of sharing it? Have we made it a priority in our schedule?