October 11 | I Peter 3:13-16
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
What is your Elevator Speech?
By Elaine Pierce
When I worked as a healthcare fundraiser, we often talked about having an "elevator speech." Could you explain to someone why it was important to consider supporting the hospital's mission in 60 seconds, about the time it took to ride the elevator up to your office? An elevator speech is a brief summary of what you do, why it matters, and how your listener can be part of making a difference.
Peter never took an elevator, but he certainly understood the value of knowing what you believe and how to effectively share the good news of saving faith in Jesus Christ. He encourages those who were reading this letter to be ready to share their faith:
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (I Peter 3:15).
I bolded 'to everyone who asks you' just so you'd be sure to notice that sharing your faith in this context is a result of people asking you to share your faith. And what should your attitude be when you tell your friend, your neighbor or your colleague about Jesus?
Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander (v. 15b-16).
Again, I bolded 'gentleness and respect' as a reminder to myself - and possibly to you - that our 'Christian elevator speech' is not a gimmick to trick people into the kingdom. Knowing what we believe, and sharing that with the utmost grace and respect, honors the Lord. C. S. Lewis said "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." What a privilege it is to share what we believe, and to share it with gentleness and respect. And then to pray that the Holy Spirit does his work as we live lives that honor the one who is worthy of all praise and glory.
PRAYER
Lord, so often I hesitate to talk to others about my faith. Help me to share boldly, to share clearly, and to share with gentleness and respect, and to leave the results to you. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
I will have to thank about how to have an elevator speech. There is so much that the LORD has done for me... For this world. Thanks for the prompting and reminder..
A really good reminder to always be prepared to share our faith with others at any given moment.