Problems with Personal Testimonies

.... In modern times, it has become customary to share your personal testimony as a basis for evangelism. This is the story of how you, yourself, became a Christian. And indeed there is a place for sharing this, but only under special circumstances.

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.... Sometimes, a personal testimony can be problematic. If you’ll think about it, this is the story of how you became saved, but the information your listener needs to know is how they can get saved. Your two backgrounds may be completely dissimilar, so they may not be able to relate to your perspective at all. In your efforts to paint a before-and-after contrast, you might even reveal something that challenges your credibility, and causes them to look down on you:

.... ". . . that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

(Philemon 1:6)

.... Another problem is that when people share their personal testimonies, they end up talking a lot about themselves instead of talking about the Lord. This may be a well-intentioned effort, but it is better to avoid it entirely if you can:

.... "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake."

(2 Corinthians 4:5)

.... So here is an important distinction to grasp. In the Scrip- tures, no one ever shared their personal testimony in the form of a proclamation. When given the oppor- tunity to proclaim, they shared the message of the gospel. Personal testimonies were re- served for a secondary role, when the evan- gelist found them- selves in a defensive position:

.... "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

(1 Peter 3:15)

.... We will discuss this further in our next posting.

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Daily Bible Reading: Luke 13