By Greg Laurie
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2013
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:16
The religious leaders thought they had eliminated the problem when they crucified Jesus. But now, His disciples were preaching and performing miracles. It was as though Jesus had returned. And so He had—in the hearts and lives of His people.
This reminds us that one of the best arguments for the Christian faith is a transformed life. New believers are the best advertising God could have because their lifestyles change, their attitudes change, and even their countenances change. The greatest biography of Jesus is written in the words and actions of His people. Your godly lifestyle is a testimony, just as if you were a walking miracle, like the lame man whom Peter and John healed.
Jesus told us we are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. There is a place to let our lights shine and proclaim the truth of God. And there is a place for us to be salt.
Even if you don’t tell people you are a Christian, they will sense something different about you, and they will watch you. As a representative of Christ, you’re like a walking light bulb. If you continue to keep a sweet and patient spirit while you’re going through times of hardship and suffering, that light will burn even brighter, catching the eyes and the curiosity of even more people.
If you are being the kind of follower of Jesus that God wants you to be, if you are being a “salty” Christian, then your lifestyle will stimulate a thirst for God in others. The greatest compliment is when someone wants to know more, when he or she approaches you and says, “What is it about you?” That is your opportunity to. . .turn on the light.
One paraphrase of Scripture puts it this way: “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (1 Peter 3:15 MSG).
About the author: Greg is a strong believer in Jesus Christ and is also a political analyst, author, and is the Editor-in-Chief for the National War Council. By day he is a self-employed non-emergency medical transport driver, as well as being an author and blogger. His articles are first published on Inspirational Christian Blogs, and I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! His articles have been widely published on many well-known conservative websites. If you would like to republish his articles, please feel free to do so leaving all links intact and crediting the author and the website that the article appeared on.
Greg is the author of the newly released book: Spiritual Darkness is Destroying America and the Church
Categories: INSPIRATIONAL DEVOTIONS
>> “The greatest biography of Jesus is written in the words and actions of His people”
This is true, but sadly it is also true that the worst biography of Jesus is also written in the words of actions of His people – or those who claim to be His.
2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us we are ambassadors for Christ. That means that all we say, all we do, and every attitude we show, (good or bad) represents Jesus Christ to those we meet.
What a challenge! What a responsibility!
Is it possible? It wouldn’t be in Scripture if it wasn’t possible. We cannot do it of ourselves, but we are not required to do so. God has provided all the resources of heaven to equip us for the task, but it isn’t automatic. We have to do our part. The Light is within us but we have to let it shine. Holy Spirit is in us to give us words to speak and to enable and empower us, but we have to allow Him to work.
We serve an incredibly amazing God who desires to wortk in us and through us to reach out to others with His love, mercy and grace. May we be faithful.
Amen, great comment!
Blessings
Greg