People respond better to example than words. You can say you are a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, but if you life does not exemplify the true essence of those words, you won't be encouraging anyone to follow him.
We all have our moments of weakness. We are human, we are fallible. Most people understand that as well, especially if they understand the nature of sin. We cannot, however, expect to gain any souls for Christ if we are passed out drunk at the corner bar every night, verbally and emotionally abusing our significant other, neglecting the needs of our children or using that unemployment check to buy lottery tickets. We lead others to Christ by our example!
Our God is a loving God. He is a forgiving God. He is an understanding God. People, in general, are not. People are skeptical and hesitant when it comes to a "better way". If you want to reach the single mother in the check-out line with 3 kids in tow, don't hand her a "tract", help her to the car. If you want to reach the homeless man with the sign "will work for food", don't point out the direction of the local soup kitchen, drop a cheeseburger and fries in his lap. People notice the good things done to help them, but even more so when the kindness comes from the heart! Be the example today - show someone the true meaning of "Christ-like"!
