Compel is a descriptive word. It can mean the following things: arresting, convicting, formidable, coercive or inspiring. Would it surprise you if I stated that we are to be compelling witnesses for Christ and our lifestyles could change the way the world views Christians? What if I said being a witness for Christ is the primary identity of a believer? Well don’t take my word for it. Let’s follow God’s thoughts.
Isaiah 43: 10-13
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,“and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.
11 I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.
12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you;
and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God.
13 Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its
saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out
and trampled under people’s feet. 14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
There is an authoritative and repetitive theme here. “I am.. you are… I am… you are.” This denotes relational place, mission and purposeful identity for God and His people. The most important thing to understand is the simple fact that we represent Him and His name is upon us, like it or not. He is God and there is no one higher; nor is there anything more important than our roles as ambassadors and witnesses. Keep in mind God’s constancy and His desire for us to be like Him — no situational witness, no selective representation and no opt out clause for believers.
Most of us are familiar with the phrases “light of the world” and “salt of the earth” description of saints. If we combine them we will see that there is a function to both. Salt preserves, and provides a resource– people in ancient times were paid in salt because it was such a valuable bartering resource– and light instructs and clarifies. A simple way to remember your function is by using the acronym I.P.P. instruct, preserve and provide.
Preserve may be confusing for some, so lets take a look at it from Miriam’s Online Dictionary’s perspective:
1: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction : protect
2: to keep alive, intact, or free from decay.
Let’s look at one verse of scripture about perserving:
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Recapping —
1. Instruct: We have been given God’s word and with it we instruct and clarify. We lead God’s elect out of darkness and the fog and turn them from the power of Satan to His power. (Acts 26:18)
2. Preserve: We are salt and so we seek to preserve/maintain the peace, relationships (godly ones), community, values, health, life and so on. We are the constancy in all things and the world needs consistent, reliable people who know what is expected of them.
3. Provide: We are providers. We provide for our families, widows, orphans and the needy. Whether money, clothing, food or services, we are to be a generous people. The command to be resourceful and care for others is not to be overlooked. (James 1:27)
So how are we doing as salt and light. I don’t know about you, but I could do better, and I resolve to. I doubt that any serious student of the Bible can deny the claims made here are not commands. It’s clear we are not dealing with suggestions or best practice guides.
I am His witness, as are you. Think in terms of instructing, preserving, and providing. For if we do, we can truly bear witness to the wonderful gift of Christ. We can be formidable witnesses capable of inspiring awe and convicition to a world that desperately needs the One we serve, Christ Jesus the true and living Eternal God. (John 1:1)