When Luke finished his Gospel account, it was a narrative “of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up” (Act 1:1-2).1 The Lord first lived the gospel before speaking it. What He spoke was fully qualified by what He lived, in a consistent, lifelong way. Considering our responsibility for evangelism as it pertains to our lifestyle, we have been presented with a high standard indeed. It would be as difficult to overstate the value of consistency in a believer’s life as it would the damaging effects of the lack thereof.
Paul rebukes the evil conduct of the righteous-presenting Jew among God’s people, “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Rom 2:24). The wise man similarly recognized the danger of profaning God’s name through sinful behaviour (Pro 30:9). Why should a person be interested in the message we speak if the effects of the power it claims are not evident by real change in us? The Lord’s teaching in the Beatitudes makes this point: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world …. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mat 5:13-16). If we will be a light that shines, it will take a life that shines!
Paul exhorts the Philippian saints, “Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Php 1:27). The message, since it is centered on Christ, deserves and requires that our manner of life be congruent with His message. What are some practical aspects of living what we preach?
Personal Spiritual Discipline
If my life is to be a living example of the faith in Christ I share with others, it will be centered on Him. Am I prioritizing time in the Scriptures to know Him and know His will? Is my prayer life and fellowship with Him an indispensable part of my day? The world is on a relentless mission to press me into its mould and obscure the changes the gospel transformation has made in my heart and life, thereby discrediting my Lord. Do my internet habits, thought life, reading choices and deepest desires confirm the authenticity of the gospel I preach?
Everyday Christlikeness
Many have been converted through witnessing firsthand the effects of the gospel in family and home life. Let us not underestimate the impact of gospel-living on silent observers who sit in our living rooms or join us at the dining room table. The way a healthy Christian marriage functions, the way a family cooperates, the priorities of a gospel-altered home are all powerful indicators that the message we share is a credible one. What about good work ethic and integrity in the workplace? “Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord” (Col 3:22 CSB). A dependable worker actually makes the gospel especially attractive (Titus 2:10). Joseph earned his boss’ full confidence precisely because of the out-working of his faith in God (Gen 39:8-9).
Cooperation Among Believers
We have been called to live out the gospel not only through personal witness but also in community with other believers. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (Joh 13:35). Paul challenges the believers in Philippi, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ … that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Php 1:27). An important part of this gospel-worthy conduct is working together in unity. Darby calls it “labouring together in the same conflict.” It has the idea of “wrestling in company with” someone. Interestingly, Paul uses this phrase again in chapter 4: “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel” (vv2-3). Paul had fond memories of gospel work in which these two sisters labored together, but now they are pulling in different directions, and their gospel witness has been hobbled. Sadly, the evangelistic efforts of too many assemblies have been hamstrung by strife, contention or personality clashes. By God’s help, let the “striving” be in the right direction.
Impact on the Community
As the gospel spread in Jerusalem, the converts were “having favor with all the people.” It is no wonder that “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Act 2:47). The gospel should have such favourable results in our lives that we gain the favor of others as we seek opportunities to serve our neighbors and community members. We should look to form genuine connections with people, enabling them to see that we really care for them. They should see over time that our ethical standards are just and our honesty is unwavering. If they are hostile, our distinct response to hatred should demonstrate a likeness to God, thereby confirming us as genuine children in His family (Mat 5:43-45). James, in chapter 2, details how dismissive or discriminatory behaviour towards the less fortunate does damage to the name by which we are called, and he asserts unapologetically that “faith without works is dead.”
The gospel was never meant to be just spoken – it must be lived out to be effective! “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake” (1Th 1:5). In the words of a gospel song, “Your walk talks, and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.”2 The hypocrisy of professing believers has done great damage to evangelism over the years. While some would use it as an excuse, we must be diligent to make sure that we are not part of the problem. Let it be our prayer that we might allow the Holy Spirit to so influence our way of living that onlookers will be inspired to seriously consider the gospel that we preach and share.
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.
2 Babbie Mason and Rodney Griffin
