HEY MIKE! In your July column, a Breakaway reader said that he wants to witness to his peers but doesn’t know how since he attends a Christian school. I was in a similar situation and have some additional advice. Think about this: We are the body of Christ, and each member has a different function. Even though God calls us all to be His witnesses, He also wants us to serve others and encourage Christian friends when they feel unsure about their faith. Witnessing is important, but remember that supporting other Christians is just as awesome, too.
—J.H., Brantford, Ontario
You make a good point, J.H.
Living your witness is more than just sharing “four spiritual laws” with somebody. It’s also about being Christ’s hands and feet in practical ways and using spiritual gifts for His glory. (Check out Romans 12:4-8 for more on this.)
David’s prayer in Psalm 19:14 reveals another key to being His witness: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
David knew that the two main centers of obedience to God were his heart and his mouth. He was convinced that if he could just let his heavenly Father take control of these two parts of his body, he could live a holy life, a life that would be a testimony to God’s glory and grace.
How does this apply to a guy who wants to witness at a Christian school or in youth group?
Consider the words of your mouth. Does your speech encourage and empower—or does it wound and destroy? Do you communicate hope, or do you occasionally spray others with hateful graffiti: insults and put-downs.
Practical application: Have nothing to do with words that wound.
Consider the meditation of your heart. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In other words, if acquiring material possessions or being popular is important to you, that will be the focus of your heart—and that’s how people will see you. (You’ve probably heard comments like, “He’s only out for No. 1,” or “She’s so vain.”) Likewise, if knowing and serving Jesus is your priority, it will show in how you treat others.
Practical application: Use Philippians 4:8 as a guide to what should enter your heart: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Consider the smile on your face. Now more than ever the world needs encouragers—godly people who offer kindness and compassion, caring people who are willing to reach out to those who have been wounded by discouragers. Ask the Lord to show you how to be merciful, just as He is merciful.
Practical application: Strive to show others the face of Christ. He reaches out to the unlovable, befriends those the world would rather forget, and touches those who seem untouchable. Be like Christ. 
