Shifting the Focus: Your Testimony's Power to Point Others to Christ

Your Testimony Isn't About You

We live in an age of narcissism. It is the era of self-actualization, the relentless race to perfect the self.

Time magazine reported in 2013 that “Narcissistic personality disorder is nearly three times as high for people in their twenties as for the generation that’s now 65 or older. . . . 58% more college students scored higher on a narcissism scale in 2009 than in 1982.”

As the West has become more narcissistic, so have the people in our churches. We see it on social media. We hear it over coffee. We see it when young people break away from living and breathing social groups to snap a selfie.

We also see it in our evangelism. A decade or two ago our evangelism still pointed outward. We spoke of the existence of God, objective truth, and the historical reliability of the resurrection. Now, swaths of churches have moved on to leading with personal testimonies.

This contextualization isn’t necessarily wrong. In a postmodern era, stories are powerful. They connect with people in ways that intellectual arguments sometimes can't. However, we must be careful not to make our personal testimonies the focal point. Our testimonies should ultimately point to the transformative power of the gospel and the glory of God.

What Does the Bible Say?

When we examine the Bible, we find that personal testimonies have their place. In fact, the apostle Paul shares his personal testimony multiple times in the New Testament. However, even in his personal testimony, Paul consistently redirects the focus to God and the work of Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 4:5, Paul writes, "For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." Paul understood that his testimony was a means to point others to Christ, not to elevate himself. He recognized that the power to transform lives was not in his story, but in the gospel.

Furthermore, in Acts 22, when Paul recounts his conversion, he emphasizes how Christ appeared to him and gave him a mission to testify about what he had seen and heard. Paul's testimony was not about himself; it was about the work of Christ in his life.

Shifting the Focus

So how do we shift the focus from ourselves to Christ in our testimonies? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Begin with God

Instead of starting with your own story, begin by pointing to the character and nature of God. Talk about His holiness, His love, and His grace. Show how God pursued you even when you were lost.

2. Highlight the Gospel

The gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). Share how the gospel transformed your life and brought you into a relationship with God. Emphasize the work of Christ on the cross and the forgiveness of sins.

3. Discuss the Holy Spirit's Role

Explain how the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin, guided you to truth, and empowered you to live a transformed life. Share how the Holy Spirit continues to work in your life and helps you grow in your faith.

4. Invite Others to Encounter Christ

The ultimate goal of sharing your testimony is to invite others to encounter Christ. Encourage them to seek God, read the Bible, and explore the claims of Christianity. Point them to the truth that is found in Jesus.

Conclusion

As we navigate a culture obsessed with self, it is crucial that we approach our testimonies with humility and a desire to point others to Christ. Our stories should serve as a reflection of God's transforming power in our lives, not as a pedestal for our own achievements or experiences.

Let us remember the words of John the Baptist in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." May our testimonies be a means to exalt Christ and draw others to Him.