We know this so well, but we often struggle with it. Everywhere we go, everything we do, someone is watchI got you! We are witnesses to people we don’t even notice. They may be in the background, or even the limelight, but when they watch us… well, how we act, talk, and relate to others. That’s our witness.
A friend that goes all the way back to 1965 when we moved to Channelview, a next door neighbor in fact, told me this Monday night – we were a witness to him and his family, even when we had no clue.
Another friend shared that at a rally (he was a police officer), a negative speaking person learned from him (kindly) that how she was relating her message was a witness of her entire ire. A kind response to her shout brought about a change of perspective.
Our witness runs the gambit. The way we look when we want to respond to a challenge, even a perceived one. Put your ugly face on, speak with vehemence, be defiant and stand with your “dukes” at the ready. Wow. You just witnessed to someone! Do that in a courtroom to the wrong person and you may be called into contempt! (Think that punishment through for a moment.) Let someone tougher than you see that witness, who knows what will happen next!
Pause and think with me about the witness you give. Have you ever hurt someone with it? Or have you been the hurt one.
We Ain’t Perfect
This is a key thought. No one is perfect. No matter what pedestal you put them on, eventually that “someone” will affect you the wrong way.
In fact, I grow weary with those who constantly brag about their perfect friend… spouse… parent… child…! If they are so perfect, well, you can fill in your own blank or question! Look long enough and the imperfections will eventually reveal themselves. Often they’ve been staring you in the face, only they are hidden until the light reveals them.
You know the lesson Jesus taught that Rich Young Man (ruler)… What must I do to have eternal life? Jesus told him.
“The young man replied,
“I have obeyed all these commandments. What else do I need to do?”
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, sell what you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad because he owned a lot of property.”
Matthew 19:20-22 (GW)
Perhaps he reveals the key. It takes a lot out of us to be perfect! Our witness shares a better side of us that is not always telling our side of the story, but listening and helping others with their side.
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
When we strive for perfection, then we find all the ways we are imperfect. The surprising thing? Most people know our imperfections because we are witnessing them all day long! Why? Because it is often easier to see imperfections rather than perfections.
I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.
Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.
~Michael J. Fox