“The good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.” 1 Timothy 5:25

What Will They See?

I was listening to a wonderful teaching by Gisela Yohannan, who is married to pastor, mission leader, and author K.P. Yohannan, founder and director of Gospel for Asia. She has worked with overseas missions for decades and has some interesting things to teach us about the way other cultures see us as Christians.

So many people groups in the world today do not have a Bible of any sort, nor could they read one even if it was printed in their own language. The way these people learn the Word of God and how to live as a Christ-follower is to watch the Christians among them. 

Here in our own culture, there are Bibles aplenty, but as we know, many do not care to read them, nor attend church where they can be taught the Word of God. Thus, we believers become the very image of God to them. Do you feel the weight of this responsibility?

What will the unbelievers see when they look at our lives? They will not see perfection, that is certain. But they should see us staying in and working through difficult marriages, believing God for answered prayer, going through trials and persecution with our faith intact, loving those that hate us, and raising our kids in the ways of the Lord.

What will the unbelievers hear when they listen to our conversation? If we are honest in what we share, they will not hear about our perfect lives. But they should hear us blessing those who revile us, praising God for answered prayer, holding our tongue when it would cause harm or pain to do otherwise, speaking uplifting words that encourage and bless. They should be hearing how Christ has changed us.

What will the unbelievers feel when they are near us? They should be feeling our loving touch when they are questioning life. A hug of comfort. Acceptance. Friendship.

These things, and so many more, are attributes of people that walk with Jesus. This is what the world should see, hear, and feel from Christ-followers, for these things testify of Christ in us. These things draw people to seek the love of God for themselves. 

Lord, You have put us in exactly this time and place in history’s timeline. Help us to shine as lights for You in this dark world, that others would look for You and find You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.