I am a creature of habit, a man of simple tastes, with very little interest in the “finer” things in life. Hence, when my wife asked if I wanted to go with her to the theatre to see By Royal Appointment (a play exploring the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her dresser, and how the monarch used her wardrobe), I politely declined.
Instead, I excitedly informed her that later that week I would be going to see Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie (an action-packed children’s film about a team of pups who save the dinosaurs from extinction). Before you judge me, let me explain: my questionable taste is not the only reason I chose Paw Patrol. In one of those settings, I would feel like a spectator. A bystander. An observer watching something happen that everyone else seems to understand and appreciate far more than I do. But with Paw Patrol… I’m in. I know the characters. I know the story. I’m emotionally invested. I may even find myself quietly willing the pups on to save the day. This got me thinking about something much more serious than my cinematic preferences…
There is a difference between being a spectator and being a witness. A spectator watches something happen. A witness is caught up in the story. A spectator observes from the outside; a witness has something to say because they have encountered it for themselves. Spectators watch the story while witnesses point others to the One who is writing it. We, as followers of Jesus, are not called simply to be spectators of what God is doing in the world. We are called to be witnesses. Lesslie Newbigin puts it beautifully:
“The church lives in the midst of history as a sign, instrument, and foretaste of the reign of God.”
We live in that Kingdom and witness to the wonders of it through: Receiving, Embodying, Pointing and Participating. A witness starts not with what they do, but with what they have received through Christ. We recognise that we are not starting the story; we are joining in with what Jesus is already doing. And we become aware of this through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t start with what we are doing, or even where the other person is at. It starts with who Jesus is. When we encounter that reality, our lives begin to change.
We don’t simply hold Christ’s views; we begin to embody the way He sees people: the dignity, worth and calling His Father created them with from the beginning. Our lives become a testimony to Christ, not because we have perfected anything, but because He is changing us. That naturally leads us to point. A witness doesn’t draw attention to themselves; they point beyond themselves to the person who is changing them. The more we recognise we cannot do this in our own strength, the more we make space for Jesus to be seen. In the space, we participate. We don’t have to manufacture something for God to do. The Holy Spirit is already at work turning lives around, opening hearts and drawing people towards Jesus. We simply have the privilege of joining in with what He is already doing, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
It’s important to acknowledge the process, as we sometimes mistakenly believe that witnessing is something Christians do, but more accurately this shows us that witnessing is who Christians are. Acts 1:8 doesn’t say, “you will witness.” Jesus says: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b.
That is an identity statement which the rest of the New Testament helps pad out. Crucially, as the disciples uncover in response to Jesus’ encouragement, witnessing doesn’t lead to one decision or moment. They discover through living this life, refusing to spectate, that this process leads to a community being created.
‘We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.’ 1 John 1:3-4
God’s kingdom work cannot be confined to a single choice but can be recognised through the ongoing choices of a life lived together, with Jesus at the centre, showing that radical, beautiful and joy-filled life to everyone we encounter. The invitation to this life is at hand; you can choose to watch it happen or get messy witnessing it unfold around you.
-David