In her book, Total Truth, Christian scholar Nancy Pearcey observed that “it is all but impossible for people to accept new ideas purely in the abstract, without seeing a concrete illustration of what they look like when lived out in practice.” Through lifestyle evangelism, we can provide concrete illustrations of Christianity “lived out in practice.”
Non-Christians drawn to Christianity by our love and lifestyles are going to be more willing to share their intellectual concerns with an open mind rather than with criticisms. For this reason, living out our faith with love and service is a powerful testimony to the truth of Christianity—and it can also provide apologetic opportunities.
Lifestyle evangelism is a natural outgrowth of the love God gives us and wants us to share with other people. Consequently, it has always been the Christian’s most successful evangelistic “tool.” How we live out our beliefs and faith before non-Christians demonstrates that Christianity is true at all levels. It gives meaning and purpose to our lives. It changes our behaviors and transforms our minds (Rom. 12:2). The sinful things we once loved to do we avoid doing because we want to no longer. We’re the same people outwardly, but we are different on the inside thanks to God’s redemptive work (2 Cor.5:17).
Christians are always on stage before Non-Christians, and they notice how we respond to life’s challenges and how we talk and behave. Our lifestyle can make a tremendous impact on them. If we demonstrate that we possess an inner strength and peace the world can’t offer, Christianity can become extremely appealing to many people who have never been responsive to direct witnessing or apologetics.
When we become involved in people’s lives; reach out to share in their suffering; come alongside them during times of tragedy to comfort and encourage; take time to listen to their worldviews and offer new directions of thoughts—simply do what Jesus instructs us to do—we create an environment that sets the Holy Spirit free to soften people’s hearts and open their minds to Christ.
The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15, “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.” Unfortunately, many apologists stop with this first part of the verse. But Peter added these crucial words, “yet with gentleness and reverence.” Paul agrees. He wrote in 2 Timothy 2:24-25, “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all . . . with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition.” Gentleness, reverence, kindness—these are the lifestyle attributes of love that should always be expressed in our apologetics. ©
Next week we’ll look at two more ways we can employ lifestyle evangelism as an aid to getting a fair hearing for the Gospel.