Our testimony refers to our reputation with others. We may come to the worship service on Sunday morning, we may bow our heads and close our eyes for prayer. We may sing hymns, we may listen to Bible preaching, we may even give money, but this is not enough. It is easy to look and play the part in such a setting. We should think of our conduct in our homes, the communities where we live, our schools and our places of work. What kind of Christian are you before your parents, your wife, your teachers, your friends, your co-workers or your boss?
What about at home? What kind of a child are you before your parents? Do you truly honor Father and Mother? Do you live at peace with your siblings, seeking their good? Are you thoughtful, kind and enjoyable to live with? Or do you fight with your siblings? As an adult son or daughter with aging parents, do you seek to care for their needs and repay their care for you? Do you call and visit as often as you can? Do you honor your parents by asking their advice before major decisions? You don't have to do what they say, but you could benifit from their experience. Are you building an adult relationship with your parents?
What about your reputation at school or in the work place? A Christian ought to be one of the hardest working students or employees around. Others will discover your testimony for Christ and they will begin to study you. They will watch your life and look for inconsistencies. It may not be fair, but it is true. Your schoolmates or your co-workers know that you aren't supposed to sware, have sex outside of marriage, drink, smoke and watch filthy shows/movies. They will hold you to a higher standard than they have for themselves. Are you perfectly honest or are you weaving a web of lies? Are you faithful to your friends or to your spouse? Do you truly care for others?
How do you live your life on vacation when the only ones who may know you are your spouse and God? You are away from your church, your parents, your friends and your co-workers. What kind of testimony do you have with your God? Your life will be reviewed before the children of God at the judgement seat of Christ. Will we see virtue or folly? So much harm has been done to the cause of the gospel because of the folly of the saints. How many have used our inconsistencies of life as an excuse to reject the gospel and the pleadings of the Holy Spirit with them?
Ruth is the only woman in the Bible who is called a virtuous woman. She had this testimony with the Holy Spirit. It is written down in an imortal book for all to see. Brothers and sisters, we are writing a book with our lives---one page at a time, one day at a time, chapter by chapter. This book is open for many to see. More than this, God keeps his own books. God keeps perfect records and He is no respecter of persons. We should guard our testimony.
Top
