“Your life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.”

 

The first time I ever read this quote, I remember how it made me stop and take a good look at what I said I believed, and how that lined up with what I lived in my everyday (and often hard and frustrating) life.

 

Being raised in a Christian home, I’ve been taught how to do all the “right” things in following God. I’m involved at church, I read my Bible, I pray and worship… and yet somehow at the end of the day, it’s easy for me to have gone through all the motions of faith, but not really lived out what I say I believe. Especially as I find myself busy with work, school, and ordinary tasks, my faith can sometimes drift to the back burner and into complacency.

 

The season of life I’m currently in has given me many opportunities to be around those who aren’t following the Lord — in many cases, they’re choosing lifestyles that are polar opposite of the things I believe in. As it’s been on my heart to share my faith with these people, I’ve been reminded of the important truth found in the quote shared at the beginning — that we’re instructed to not only tell others what we believe, but show them Christ in the way we live our lives.

 

The example we demonstrate has the potential to be our most powerful weapon — and witness — for the Lord.

 

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

 

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

 

In the midst of a world filled with darkness and heaviness, the practical reality of the life we live has the power to demonstrate to others who Jesus really is. Our words can bring life or death to the people around us (Proverbs 18:21, Ephesians 4:29). The way we treat others around us can reflect a picture of the love of God to people (John 13:34-35). Our choice to walk in integrity in an often-corrupt world can show people the purity and honor of God’s character (2 Corinthians 8:21).

 

While it’s very important that we don’t stop with just living a “good” life — we’re called to speak the truth of what we believe             (1 Corinthians 9:16-17) — our example can be something that opens people’s hearts to receive that truth. 

 

Ultimately, it’s not about us trying to live a life that impresses people around us, but about letting God do His work in us so our faith overflows into every part of our lives. The goal isn’t for me to be perfect, but for me to be reliant on the Lord in a way that shows people that He is the center of my life. No matter what situations I find myself in, I want my life itself to be a witness of the truth even before my words are.