Nothing, perhaps, is more difficult than to know when and how to speak for Christ. There is a well-known rule for Christian conduct, “Never go into any company where you are not free to speak for Christ.” The rule is a valuable one, but it must be rightly understood. The “speaking for Christ” here must manifestly include the voice of the life, that conversation of which Peter so frequently speaks (1 Peter 2:1212Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12)). In this sense it always holds good.
But in writing about work for young believers, by speaking for Christ we refer solely to literal speaking with the lips. Not but that the life-voice is often much to the glory of Christ, but it cannot properly be considered as active work for Him. How, when, and where, then, ought the young believer to speak for Christ?
Before seeking to answer this question, we may just point out some of the circumstances in which, as a rule, speaking with our lips might be out of place, although a very few words on this will suffice, as, for every one that is too forward, there are hundreds that are too backward, and we should be much grieved if any words we might use were taken as an excuse for being ashamed to confess Christ.
As a rule, in transacting all manner of business it is far better to manifest Christ in the way in which you transact it than by any words you may utter. It is comparatively easy, though it savors greatly of hypocrisy, to utter a few religious phrases, while all the time keenly seeking to get the best of the bargain; whereas, to forego an advantage, to point out an oversight to your own injury, really brings glory to God.
In speaking for Christ, there is such a thing as propriety, hence it is certainly unseemly for young women to address men in railway carriages, or other public places, although, when questioned, it is their place to “give a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.” Many similar cases suggest themselves, but these scarcely need pointing out.
We come now to our subject – “How, when, and where to speak for Christ?” One of the most obvious spheres for this is the circle in which we constantly move. In the first place, we must find out by some means or other the real spiritual condition of our daily companions. We must do so gently, quietly, patiently; but we must not rest till we know who are on the Lord’s side and who are not. In this we should not be guided by actions only, but should get the confession of Christ with the lips as well, wherever possible.
Sometimes this is very difficult, especially when we do not plainly declare our Christian character ourselves. This is a great error. It makes speaking for Christ much harder, and takes away half the weight of our words. Very often, indeed, it silences us altogether, for it is only the believer that is really seeking to glorify Christ in his life, who can speak for Him.
As to the time; whenever you have an opportunity, generally, if possible, without the presence of a third person. Such an opportunity often occurs when bestowing a small gift, and a word for Christ at such a time is often well received. When anyone you know is passing through sorrow always use the occasion, for God is dealing with the soul, and thus preparing the way for a suited word. The thought of this often helps one in speaking. Often on the Lord’s Day we got opportunities not to be had at other times. A very good rule is not to let a day pass without speaking to one soul about Christ.
As to the place; all are alike. Souls are converted on the decks of steamers, in railway carriages, in the street, by the seashore, at the fireside, as well as in the church or chapel, or meeting-house.
Always begin with those you know best, and first with those of your own house. “He first findeth his own brother, Simon.” Next with your immediate circle of friends, and so on; ever accompanying your words with silent prayer, for it is God alone who can direct the arrow thus “shot at a venture.”