As Christians, our lives are like open books that others read every day. The way we live can either draw people closer to God or push them away. A good Christian testimony isn’t just about what we say; it’s about how we act. Let’s explore why having a good testimony is so important and how it can shine a light in a world that needs hope.
1. Our Actions Speak Louder Than Words
- Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
- Embracing God’s Word by Hearing, Hiding, and Heeding
- God abhors laziness (he wants us to be working)
Jesus tells us that our good deeds are like a light. When we do what’s right, people notice, and it brings glory to God. It’s not enough to just talk about our faith; we need to live it out every day.
2. Being a Light in the Darkness
- John 8:12 – “Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
- Ephesians 5:8-9 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”
- The Smallest Flicker of Light Conquers Darkness
- 7 Christlike behaviors we need to follow Jesus’ example
When we follow Jesus, we become lights in a dark world. Our lives should reflect His goodness, righteousness, and truth. This means being honest, kind, and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
3. Avoiding a Bad Testimony
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
- 1 Timothy 3:7 – “Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.”
- 10 differences between team Jesus Christ and team Antichrist
- Galatians 5:19-23 contrast the works of the flesh versus the fruit of the spirit
A bad testimony can hinder others from seeing the truth about Jesus. If we live like everyone else, unbelievers might remain blinded to the gospel. That’s why it’s important that even those outside the church see our good character.
- If you are an employee, your performance review should reflect your Christlike nature, not your Adamic nature. You should have commendations of the fruit of the spirit not warnings about the works of the flesh.
- If you are a business owner, your Google and Yelp reviews should be overflowing with glowing reports of your Christlike nature, not complaints about your Adamic nature. You should be part of Team Jesus Christ and not Team Antichrist.
- If you are a neighbor, your reputation should represent Jesus Christ, not the devil.
4. Bearing Good Fruit
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
- John 15:8 – “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.”
- Add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love
- What is the fruit of the Spirit and where does it come from?
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we produce good fruit. This fruit shows others that we truly follow Jesus. It’s evidence of God’s work in our lives.
5. Living with Integrity
- Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.”
- Daniel 6:4 – “Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.”
- The Importance of Integrity
Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Daniel is a great example of someone who lived with integrity. His enemies couldn’t find any fault in him because he was faithful and honest.
6. Encouraging Others to Glorify God
- 1 Peter 2:12 – “Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”
- Proverbs 4:18 – “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.”
- Greetings from Paul (Discovering the Heart of the Apostle)
- Stirring Up Love and Good Works
When we live honorably, even those who don’t believe may end up praising God because of our actions. Our lives can be a testimony that leads others to Christ.
A good Christian testimony is powerful. It’s not just about words but about living a life that reflects Jesus. By doing so, we become lights in the world, guiding others to the truth. Let’s commit to living in a way that honors God and draws others to Him.
- The Importance of a Good Testimony – When our character, conduct, and conversation match who we are in Christ, we’ll have a testimony that encourages fellow Christians and draws unbelievers to the Savior. Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 40-42. Jesus wants to satisfy the yearnings of your heart.
- What does it mean that our lives should be a testimony for Jesus? – The “testimony for Jesus” in view here would be a lifestyle and words that openly acknowledge our personal experience of following Jesus Christ. A testimony must be public because its purpose is to tell others what has taken place. In the Christian experience, our regeneration should be a testament (evidence) to other people that Jesus is alive and is changing lives. We testify by our words and actions. If our lives are a testimony for Jesus Christ, then they should be reflections of Christ as we “follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where your actions don’t match your words?
- How can you be a light in your community this week?
- What steps can you take to live with more integrity?