Every day, Christians are under the spotlight. People are watching our actions and listening to our words to see if they align with our beliefs. Some do this out of genuine curiosity, while others might be more critical. Being approachable is crucial because we’re meant to be the light of the world. As Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Our light shines as brightly as our faith allows. To shine even brighter and share God’s grace with the world, we need to be approachable.
Being approachable means we don’t pretend to be perfect. Instead, we acknowledge that through Christ, we’re being made perfect. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” When 1 Peter 3:15 talks about giving an answer for the hope within us, it implies that someone will ask us about it. For them to ask, they need to feel comfortable approaching us. Our lives should reflect that we are approachable Christians.
Ways to Become More Approachable:
Be Genuine: Finding a genuine person is rare these days. Many people create a public image that hides their faults and mistakes. But none of us are perfect, and it’s important to show that. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Romans 12:9 also reminds us, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
Pray Daily: Constant prayer is essential. If you’re not praying, someone else might be praying for you, and that could be why you’re where you are today. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 also urges us to “pray without ceasing.”
Seek Jesus: Instead of trying to be a “super Christian,” focus on being like Jesus. He’s our model. Since the church is the body of Christ and Christ is the head, our actions should reflect that. Hebrews 12:2 urges us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” 1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
Be Honest: Honesty is key to being approachable. Just like being genuine, living an honest life is crucial. Proverbs 16:13 tells us, “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.” Colossians 3:9-10 advises, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
Approach Others: To be approachable, you also need to be willing to approach others. Step up, speak to people, and create a sense of openness. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Inspirational Quotes to Reflect On:
- C.S. Lewis: “Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.”
- Mother Teresa: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
What would you add to the list?
Just some thoughts.
