The Power of Authentic Witness
As a pastor, I’ve often seen well-meaning Christians try to convince others of the benefits of following Jesus with promises of happiness, reunited families, and improved health. But what happens when these promises don’t materialize? What about when following Jesus leads to sorrow, suffering, and conflict?
The Limitations of Words
We’ve all been there – someone recommends a book or tells a joke, assuring us that we’ll love it, only to leave us underwhelmed. The same thing can happen when we try to convince others of the goodness of God or the joy of salvation using mere words. It’s like trying to describe a beautiful sunset to someone who’s never seen one – words just can’t do it justice.
The Proof is in the Living
That’s why I love the old adage, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” It’s not enough to simply tell others about the benefits of following Jesus – we need to show them through our lives. When we live out our faith authentically, it whets the appetite of those around us to hear more. As Peter wrote, “…if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior…” (1 Peter 3:1).
The Power of Personal Testimony
I’m much more likely to read a book or try a new recipe when someone I trust shares their personal experience with it. The same thing is true with faith. When we share our own stories of how following Jesus has impacted our lives, it carries far more weight than any promise or guarantee. It’s the difference between hearing about a beautiful sunset and seeing it for ourselves.
Living Out Our Faith
So, how can we live out our faith in a way that draws others to Jesus? It starts with authenticity – being true to who we are and what we believe. It means being vulnerable and willing to share our struggles and doubts, as well as our triumphs and victories. And it means being intentional about showing others the love and compassion of Christ, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. When we do, we become living proof of the goodness of God and the joy of salvation.
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