We must become aware that we are capable of using people to meet our own deep and throbbing needs, and be deluded into thinking that we are witnessing. Impossible you say? Check yourself below:
Do you ever "witness" to meet your own need to witness? (You have been taught that if you aren't confronting people with the Gospel you are failing as a Christian so you speak up because you feel guilty.)
Is your "witnessing" actually boasting? (You are proud of the way God is working in your life or want others to know how you are "overcoming" so that you might win their admiration. You are glorifying yourself.)
Do you ever just have a need to talk but you are too embarrassed to admit this need for attention so you begin with religious cliches and then branch out to other topics and throw in just enough religious jargon to appear genuine?
Do you ever "witness" to let others know how wise, knowledgeable, and wonderful you are? (Listen to yourself. If this is your objective, you will occasionally put yourself down in an attempt to cover your real motive.)
Do you ever, through much speaking, attempt to convince yourself that you are right and label it "witnessing"? (Your real need is the confirmation of others.)
I have done all these things in the name of "witnessing". Haven't you? Hopefully the following checklist will aid us in becoming true witnesses for and of God.
"The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."
Proverbs 13: 3
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
Psalm 19: 14