Labeling: The New Witnessing

A big part of Jesus' ministry was simply labeling what God was doing in the world. He didn't make it. He didn't force it. He didn't manufacture it. But when God showed up he was quick to label it.

Labeling is what we are all about. Without labeling God's Love, people wouldn't recognize him in their midst. We're pretty blind, you know.

"Check out the lilies of the field. You think they look good? Your Father has clothed you much better than they." See? They were just doing life and happened to be passing by a field of lilies. Jesus simply shared what the Spirit was revealing through creation at that time.

Labeling is simular to witnessing but labeling can be more poignant because it provides "on-time" descriptive of something happening in the here and now - something happening around you, your friends, or an event.

Witnessing shares personal stories and BIblical narratives designed to present a protocol for coming to Christ. Labeling is different, though the revelation of Christ is no less compromised. Labeling is simply a verbalization of what God is doing at any given time. This is that.

For some, the idea of being a labeler takes the heat off. It lessons the academic responsibility of the labeler, allows him or her to speak matter-of-factually out of their authority in Christ, and provides an "on-time" example of the nexus of God's love and the particular life experience of the listener. Labeling carries a prophetic punch that is hard to argue with.

Example: A person comes to you and tells you her experience when she was in church. "I can't explain it," she says. "I just felt peaceful all over." How would a labeler respond to that? She would respond, "That was the peace of God. He loves you."

Labeling isn't rocket science. It's just affirming what God is doing in the people around you. Want people to see Jesus? That's easy. Label Jesus in the people around you.

Bill's website HERE.