A Credible Witness

 

Most have heard the story of the boy that cried wolf. The story ends tragically because this boy lost his credibility with people. Most of us know someone that you feel the need to verify what they say because they don’t have good credibility. Then there are some that we trust totally. So much that we may use the phrase, “If they tell you something, you can take it to the bank.” That’s credibility!

In the court system there is a term used that I’d like to explore. The term is a credible witness. A credible witness is a witness who comes across as competent and worthy of belief. Their testimony is assumed to be more than likely true due to their experience, knowledge, training, and sense of honesty.

Then there is the person that may not be considered a credible witness if they exhibit inconsistencies in their statements, have a personal bias or interest in the case outcome, display a history of dishonesty, have a poor memory of the event, lack relevant knowledge or experience, or show signs of being influenced or pressured to testify a certain way; essentially, anything that could cast doubt on the truthfulness or reliability of their testimony. 

Did you know that the Bible calls us witnesses? You are my witnesses,” says the LORD…(Isaiah 43:10 NET). 

With this understanding let’s look at the aspects that cause a witness to not be considered credible. We will compare them to how they can affect our witness for Christ.

They exhibit inconsistencies in their statements. These are those that try to talk like a Christian in this conversation and like the world in other conversations. This makes their statements inconsistent. 

They have a personal bias or interest in the outcome. These are those that only witness for their own personal benefits. It may be recognition, a certain position gained or even money. 

They display a history of dishonesty. Plainly these are those that are not honest. Not just the blatant liar, but the ones that are dishonest in business. They can’t be trusted with money. They aren’t faithful. 

They have a poor memory of the event. They lack relevant knowledge or experience. These are those that can’t answer anything about Jesus and the Gospel. They don’t talk to Jesus regularly to get to know Him. They don’t read nor study the Word to know how to answer someone when asked a question. 

They show signs of being influenced or pressured to testify a certain way. These are those that only witness because it’s what they are supposed to do. They don’t do it because of a love for Jesus and a love for souls. 

These all cast doubt on the truthfulness or reliability of their testimony. Thus affecting their witness for Christ. 

A credible witness is just the opposite. They are the same no matter who is around. They do not speak out of both sides of their mouth. 

They have no personal benefit to witness to someone. It may even cost them to do so. 

They are inherently honest. They are above reproach. 

They know Jesus, they spend time with Him in prayer. They read and study the Word. 

They witness because of their love for Jesus and souls. 

These are the differences between the credible witness and the witness that is not. There is something that you should always consider though. They are both called witnesses. You see whether you know it or not, if you claim to be a Christian you will be a witness about the Gospel of Christ. Good or bad you will influence people’s opinion about the Gospel. Either way though you will be a witness. 

We should study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). And Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of your time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone (Colossians 4:5-6 ISV). Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed (2 Corinthians 6:3 KJV).

1 Corinthians 9:15-18 The Message (MSG) I’d rather die than give anyone ammunition to discredit me or question my motives. If I proclaim the Message, it’s not to get something out of it for myself. I’m compelled to do it, and doomed if I don’t! 

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 KJV 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.