Have you ever heard of witnessing with a lamb chop? W. H. Lax, a Methodist minister in London for 38 years, did just that.
An old man was gravely ill, and Pastor Lax called on him. The man had no time for ministers, and as soon as he saw Lax's clerical collar he turned away and refused to speak.
Lax suspected that the man's food supply had run low. So when he left the house, the minister stopped at a local butcher shop and had two lamb chops sent over. He called again in a few days and the old fellow was a bit friendlier. On his way home, Lax left another order with the butcher. By his third visit there was a noticeable change. The man was congenial and outgoing; he even allowed the minister to witness to him.
While Lax was away on a preaching mission, the old man died. Apparently he had put his trust in Christ, for just before he died he said, "Tell the minister that it's all right now. I'm going to God. But be sure to tell him it wasn't his talking that changed me. It was those lamb chops!"
Meeting someone's need can provide a great opportunity to share the gospel. It can melt the most hardened heart and open doors that have been locked for a lifetime. Do you know someone who needs a "lamb chop" today? — Haddon W. Robinson
Putting It Into Practice
Are there people in your neighborhood or workplace who are resisting the gospel? How can you show your love and concern by meeting their needs?
Sometimes the best witness is kindness.