You might think it an odd question, but over the Summer I have seen a good share of both with all the boating people do. As I considered the purpose of each, and what they do, I realized it could relate as a useful metaphor to consider our witness for Christ.
A buoy is seen because its always right at the surface, just floating around. It doesn't float away because it's being grounded by an anchor. It is a sign of something below the surface, but in and of itself, it doesn't do much. An anchor, although unseen, is evident in its ability to hold firm, anchoring a ship 1000 times its weight. Even in a storm, the anchor stays grounded on the rocks. The buoy won't get lost in a storm because of the anchor, but they will get tossed about and can suffer damage.
So in your day to day life at work, home, or with friends, are you an anchor holding firm on the Rock, Christ? Or are you a buoy, seemingly floating through life with a YOLO (you only live once) attitude, having your treasure (talent) tucked deep inside your sock drawer never really taking your Christian identity with you to certain places or with certain people?
Why does it matter what we do after we receive salvation? Aren't we under the dispensation of grace? Why shouldn't we be content knowing a few surface level doctrines and just float through life? This is why....
1Cor. 6:20 - For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Col. 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
I get it, I know the struggle of bringing up God with friends, family, co-workers, or even strangers. Sometimes it is met with awkward silence or a deer in the head lights look on their face, other times with anger or a sarcastic remark. Despite the resistance your met with, these people you are around, especially those which you call friends and care for, deserve the opportunity to hear The Truth. I think often times we aren't well received because we try to use only our words. Our words, although they can be helpful, will never give the light of faith to the listener like that of the Word of God.
Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
People often are more receptive to hear from you if they see you being genuine and open The Book as it is often better for them to see it written in The Scriptures. Don't be afraid to share a tough time or situation that you have personally been through that God used too help you grow and too teach you. Share your experiences and how you saw God get you through them. We can testify to the verse:
Psa. 34:18 - The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Another thing that may seem silly, but can be very powerful to a person who's hurting, is telling them, “God Loves You”. People are motivated by fear or love, we know that love is more powerful and is the method that our Heavenly Father used.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 - For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Rom. 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Another way to begin dialog is to use the majesty of creation or the miracle of birth as an opportunity to share the word.
Rom. 1:20 - For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Psa. 24:1 - The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Psa. 24:2 - For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 - The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 - All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:4 - In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
How you live your life daily, and how you respond to the difficult circumstances you face, will either elevate and honor the Lord, or it will bring dishonor to His Name. Don't forget the principle that you can do 100 great things, but it only takes one fall to lose trust and respect. The Word encourages us to do ALL for the Lord and His Glory.
Col. 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col. 3:23 - And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Col. 3:24 - Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
1Pe. 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1Pe. 3:16 - Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
So if you have found yourself as more of a buoy than an anchor, I implore you today to start a fresh with a desire to deepen your love, understanding, and knowledge of the Lord. It will transform your everyday and the conversations you have. I pray God gives you the strength and the forbearance to hold firm like an anchor on the Rock, His Word.
All Blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Kacy
