Marketplace Mission Trip Week - Day 5: SPEAK FOR YOURSELF
If we do this right, after a while, others will ask, “Why are you doing this?” We need to be able to answer in the first person. Practice today as you get ready for next week!
Why are you doing this?
When you go beyond your job description and serve others, they will be curious. In their mind, they will try to explain your actions using worldly motives like “He’s just trying to get ahead.” But when your service springs from love for Jesus, they won’t have an explanation to connect your actions to your motives. Eventually, some will ask, “Why are you doing this?”
Verse
"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3:15 NASB)
Prepare your answer
Remember we talked about practicing a brief answer using your own words that points to Jesus. Some people may ask us why we’re being so nice or why we remembered to send an email. If we answer with, “I just felt like it,” or “God told me to,” people won’t understand our true motivation. They’ll think you’re strange and drop the subject.
Now, because of this mission trip, try to say something like, “I wanted to do something for you because Jesus changed me. I want my faith in Jesus to matter every day.” While this might feel or sound awkward, it is accurate and honest. Your friend’s mind will have to stretch to think about your answer.
But don’t let me put words in your mouth. Make this your answer: Give your reason in the first person. Ask God to give you a humble answer that glorifies him. Avoid giving instruction or making a specific ask. Simply state your reason. That’s what we mean when we coach you to speak for yourself. Make it brief but also make it point to Jesus. And if they want more information, they’re free to ask for it. If they ask more, answer more, as naturally as possible.
Put yourself in their shoes
As an exercise, put yourself in their shoes. Pray and then ask yourself the "why" question, and speak your answer out loud. Ask another Christ-follower to give you feedback. Write your answer down. Does it sound reasonable to you? Ask yourself a second time, "But why?" Practice. Repeat practicing until you’re comfortable. Try to get where you can explain your actions reasonably to someone who thinks Jesus is no more real than Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. The more you practice answering the “Why?” question, the more natural and confident you’ll feel when you have these conversations.
Your answer with conviction
In 1 Peter 3:15, the first phrase is, “but sanctify Jesus as Lord in your hearts.” When we sanctify Christ as Lord, we set him apart as Lord. We know why we trust him as Lord. Once we convince ourselves, then we’re “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks.”
They will ask
Did you notice something else? Peter says they will ask. Unless you feel a leading from God, you need not volunteer anything. Quietly and humbly serve. If no one ever asks, we know Jesus is in charge. We will receive a reward for doing what he told us to do. We don’t have to twist or manipulate any conversation. Let’s give our lives away because we know Jesus is Lord. When we do, people will ask. Take some time and practice your answer. Use “I” and “me” statements. Be certain. Resist the temptation to tell someone else how to get to heaven. Explain the hope in you because you know Jesus. God will give you the words and you will bless others if you can wait until someone asks. And then, speak for yourself.
Video - Speak For Yourself
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Going Deeper
Today, phone a friend. Ask God for the name of a believing friend. Ask them to give you 10 minutes to help you with the mission trip. Then ask them why they believe in Jesus. When they answer, ask them again, “Ok, thanks. But why…?” After the “why,” restate some of what they said. After doing this a couple of times, flip it around. Ask them “Do you mind if I tell you why I follow Jesus? If they agree, tell them and ask them for their thoughts. Use this as practice for talking with others at work about why you trust Christ. Then comment below and let us know that you completed the task. This practice will prove valuable. Keep it going!
Action items
Pray – to punch in each day, for the people you will meet, and for the people on the “trip.” God is actively working in others’ lives. Ask him to let you join him!
Practice – Think about why you believe and practice your 2-sentence answer.
Think about ways you can serve others next week.
Get some gift cards, thank you notes or something to show gratitude and appreciation to others. We encourage you to show appreciation and serve others in new ways next week. Get ready now!
Join The Discussion (Comment Below)
As you practice your answers from Wednesday, ask God to give you a chance to share with someone soon, even today. What thoughts do you have about this first week, or about your answer to the question, "Why do you follow Jesus?" Every bit of practice is worth it. Share your thoughts and ideas below!
We hope you have enjoyed the Marketplace Mission Trip from Follower of One.
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