Speak For Yourself

If we make a daily practice of the first four daily habits, after a while, others will ask us why we are doing what we are doing. We need to be able to answer in the first person.

Why Are You Doing This?

When you go beyond your job description and serve others, they will be curious. In their mind, they will try to understand your actions through worldly motives like “he’s just trying to get ahead.” But when your service springs from love for Jesus, they won’t have a logical explanation to connect your actions to your motives. Eventually, some will ask, “Why are you doing this?”

Answer With Conviction

In 1 Peter 3:15, the first part of the phrase says to sanctify Jesus as Lord in your hearts. When we sanctify Christ as Lord, we set him apart as Lord. We know why we trust him as Lord. Once we convince ourselves, then we’re ready to make a defense to everyone who asks.

Prepare Your Answer

During day three, we talked about preparing a brief answer that points to Jesus using your own words. Some people may ask us why we’re being so nice or why we remembered to send an email. If we answer with “I just felt like it” or “God told me to,” people won’t understand our true motivation. They’ll think we’re strange and drop the subject.

Intentionally answer in a different way. Remember your one-minute answer from day three. It should sound something like, “I wanted to do something for you because Jesus changed me. I want my faith in Jesus to matter every day.” Initially, an answer like this might feel or sound awkward to you. But the more you practice, the more natural, accurate, and honest it will become. Your friend’s mind will have to stretch to process and think about your answer. Don’t let this exercise put words in your mouth. Ask God to give you a humble answer that glorifies him. Give your reason in the first person. Avoid giving instructions or making a specific ask. Simply state your reason. That’s what we mean when we suggest you speak for yourself.

Keep your answer brief, but also keep the focus on Jesus. And if they want more information, they’re free to ask for it. If they ask more, answer more, as naturally as possible.

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

As an exercise, put yourself in their shoes. Pray and then ask yourself the "why" question. Speak your answer out loud. Ask another Christ-follower to give you feedback. Write your answer down. Does it sound reasonable to you? Ask yourself, “but why?” a second time.

Repeat this practice until you’re comfortable with your answer. Imagine how to reasonably explain your actions to someone who thinks Jesus is no more real than Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. The more you practice answering the “why” question, the more natural and confident you’ll feel when you have these conversations.

They Will Ask

Did you notice something else? Peter says they will ask. Unless you feel a leading from God, you need not volunteer anything. Quietly and humbly serve. If no one ever asks, we know Jesus is still in charge, and we will receive a reward for doing what he told us to do. We don’t have to twist or manipulate any conversation. Let’s give our lives away because we know Jesus is Lord. When we give our lives away, people will ask. Take some time and practice your answer. Use “I” and “me” statements. Be certain. Resist the temptation to tell someone else how to get to heaven. Explain the hope you have in you because you know Jesus. God will give you the words, and you will bless others if you can wait until someone asks. And then, speak for yourself.