I’ve been thinking about how the way we live our lives is a testament to our relationship with Christ. I’ve often heard people say, “Witness to others, and when necessary, use words.” Our lives are a witness to the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.
The Bible tells us that we are to live godly lives, being an example to those around us of what a Christian should look like. The Apostle Paul taught a lot about godliness and righteousness. In I Timothy 6, Paul admonishes, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” He encourages that we should turn away from false doctrines, and turn to the sound instruction of God’s Word, and lists things we are to avoid and then says. “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (I Timothy 6:11 NIV)
Jesus also spoke of righteous living, and laid out standards by which we are to live, going beyond the directives of the Ten Commandments. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgement: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matthew 5:21-22) Jesus’ standards aren’t just by what we see on the outside, but goes to the depths of our heart attitudes, stating that to look on a woman to lust after her is the same as committing adultery, just as being angry to the point of sin is the same as killing.
Whether we want to believe it or not, people are paying attention to how Christians conduct their lives. True, some are waiting for a chance for us to slip up so that they can say, “Gotcha!” But, for the most part, they are looking for examples of what a pure life looks like. How we conduct ourselves in speech, in behavior, in attitude, etc., is a witness to them, and when we live our lives contrary to God’s Word, it speaks volumes. We not only are in sin, but our witness is destroyed.
We are accountable for every action, word, thought, and attitude before the Lord. It is a high standard that we are asked to follow. We are to look like Jesus in every area of our lives. The enemy knows this too…that’s why it’s so hard sometimes, because he brings temptation to cause us to fall and then brings condemnation, saying, “If you were a real Christian you wouldn’t…” Then we feel defeated. That is when we need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. We need to allow Him to do in us what we can’t do ourselves. We must cast aside our pride, and instead of running away from Him, run to Him, throw ourselves into His waiting arms and let Him do a work in us that will bring Him glory and honor.
So…take stock of your life. Is it up to snuff? If not, God is waiting to bring forgiveness, healing, and solutions, and will set you upon the right path.
donnasmusings 