Show your redeemed life
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”— MATTHEW 5:16
A German historian once said to a Christian, “Show me your redeemed life, and I might be inclined to be believe in your Redeemer.” That’s a pretty straightforward approach, isn’t it? If I’m trying to tell you how great my doctor is, and I’m dying under his care, you might question his skill. This is something of the principle that’s behind this verse. What good does it do to tell people how great our Savior is when they can’t see the manifestation of His power in our lives? We must let the light shine. What is “light” in the New Testament? Essentially, “light” means “eternal life.” It’s the life of God in us. It’s the indwelling Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit. In other words, “Let Christ shine through your life— the words you say, your attitudes, the things you do.” And when people see that, they’re going to say you do have a great Savior. You do have a great Father in heaven. A godly life lays the platform down on which individual testimony becomes convincing. On the other hand, it’s so sad for somebody to proclaim Jesus Christ as Savior and then live a sinful life. Not only does it dishonor Christ, but it’s ineffective in terms of convincing anyone else of the power of Jesus Christ. As witnesses, our responsibility is to tell the world that Jesus Christ can transform lives. That’s only believable if they see a transformed life.