If you had the opportunity to be a witness for the Lord today, how did it go? If it went well, praise the Lord! But if you fall in bed discouraged because your witness seemed less than overwhelming, consider the reason.

"People just don't want to hear about Jesus," one person told me. "As soon as I start to talk they shut me out." Why is this? It can't all be indifference on the part of the lost. Maybe the message just isn't coming through clearly. "Christianese" is a term I use for the vocabulary many Christians use when they're talking to unbelievers. "Joan, you're forgiven by the blood of the Lamb." How do you think that sounds to the unsaved? One woman states: "When Christians witness to me they make me feel inferior; like they belong to some exclusive club."

If you have felt ineffective as a witness for Christ, consider how you come across. Avoid Christian "buzzwords" and instead use straight talk about love and forgiveness, unity and harmony. Identify with the specific interests and needs of those to whom you witness. As Paul put it, "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law...To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:20, 22, NIV).

You have tremendous potential as Christ's mouth and ears. Sleep happily looking forward to tomorrow. With a little less "Christianese" and a little more straight talk, you can continue to spread the good news even more effectively.

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the opportunity of sharing Your love with the lost. Grant me the sensitivity to hear You, and to speak only what You would speak...never talking "at" them or using words they don't understand. Grant me the grace to be a servant to all. In Jesus' Name, Amen.