Your Life is the Best Testimony

I grew up in an Evangelical tradition. I’m grateful for that, and for the many individuals who poured into my life through the years and were great examples of faith. They demonstrated faith to me in practical, living ways – not just with their words, but their entire lives. They had authenticity.

As I read through the Gospels, I’m struck by how often Jesus is approached by complete strangers who heard of his life, and knew he brought change. Some came for healing, some for answers, and others were there because Jesus waited. They heard, they observed, and the came because Jesus was living with an authenticity that drew them in.

We overcomplicated evangelism. We can turn our faith into a program, a pamphlet, or a system of cornering people and forcing an answer. When we do this, we stop seeing others as our neighbour, and turn them into our projects.

Your life is the best testimony. Your weakness, your flaws, your hopes, your dreams,  and your trust in God all speak to a powerful Creator who changes everything. You do not need to be perfect, you simply have to be you. God’s grace is the base of relationship – not your perfection.

This change in perspective frees us from the chains of our own expectations. It frees us from the fears that hold us back. It allows us to speak authentically into every situation because it is who we are.

Do you know who you are?

Weekly Practice: Authenticity

Are others projects to you? Do you feel the weight and shame of not sharing your faith enough, or the burden of needing to save those around you?

One individual (Ted) in our community shared a story of a coworker this week who is far from God. This coworker expressed this week that they would never forgive some people in their lives. Ted shared with them that they just couldn’t understand that perspective, because of their past and the amount of times they’ve hurt others, and how God has given them grace. Ted shared how the words of the Bible had transformed their lives to a place of grace.

Ted’s coworker stopped dead, and looked at him. “I’ve been meaning to read the Bible. Maybe I should do that.”

Ted was completely authentic with this individual. There was no agenda, just a transparent and honest conversation.

You cannot save anyone else, a Saviour has already died in their place. 

Our role is to follow Him, and allow God to be the one who does incredible things. He knows the timing, the stories, and the hurts in others lives.

This week, as you continue to pray for those five names you wrote down last week, would you love them by being in relationship with them? Not for any agenda, or to any end, but simply to love them. Pray as you’re with them, pray as you talk, listen to their hearts, and trust that God will open the door to be authentic with them.

I can’t wait to hear the ways God grows your relationships.