Page 10 - May 2025 - Truth & Tidings

hen Luke finished his Gospel that shines, it will take a life that shines!
account, it was a narrative “of Paul exhorts the Philippian saints, “Let
Wall that Jesus began both to your conduct be worthy of the gospel of
do and teach, until the day in which He Christ” (Php 1:27). The message, since it is
was taken up” (Act 1:1-2). The Lord first centered on Christ, deserves and requires
1
lived the gospel before speaking it. What that our manner of life be congruent with
He spoke was fully qualified by what He His message. What are some practical
lived, in a consistent, lifelong way. Con- aspects of living what we preach?
sidering our responsibility for evangelism
as it pertains to our lifestyle, we have been Personal Spiritual Discipline
presented with a high standard indeed. If my life is to be a living example of the
It would be as difficult to overstate the faith in Christ I share with others, it will be
value of consistency in a believer’s life as centered on Him. Am I prioritizing time
it would the damaging effects of the lack in the Scriptures to know Him and know
thereof. His will? Is my prayer life and fellowship
Paul rebukes the evil conduct of the with Him an indispensable part of my
righteous-presenting Jew among God’s day? The world is on a relentless mission
people, “For the name of God is blas- to press me into its mould and obscure
phemed among the Gentiles because of the changes the gospel transformation
you” (Rom 2:24). The wise man similarly has made in my heart and life, thereby
recognized the danger of profaning God’s discrediting my Lord. Do my internet
name through sinful behaviour (Pro 30:9). habits, thought life, reading choices and
Why should a person be interested in the deepest desires confirm the authenticity
message we speak if the effects of the of the gospel I preach?
power it claims are not evident by real
change in us? The Lord’s teaching in the Everyday Christlikeness
Beatitudes makes this point: “You are the Many have been converted through
salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its witnessing firsthand the effects of the
flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then gospel in family and home life. Let us not
good for nothing but to be thrown out underestimate the impact of gospel-living
and trampled underfoot by men. You are on silent observers who sit in our living
the light of the world …. Let your light so rooms or join us at the dining room table.
shine before men, that they may see your The way a healthy Christian marriage
good works and glorify your Father in functions, the way a family cooperates, the
heaven” (Mat 5:13-16). If we will be a light priorities of a gospel-altered home are all
powerful indicators that the message we
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the share is a credible one. What about good
NKJV unless otherwise noted. work ethic and integrity in the workplace?

138 TRUTH kTidings May 2025