Let Your Light Shine

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring others to Christ. It’s not the soapbox sermons, the accusatory finger, the disapproving “tsk tsk tsk,” nor the sermonizing about legalistic matters. Often it’s being the shoulder to cry on in a time of need, the offer of prayer when you don’t know what to do, the meal when you’re hungry, or the clothes when you’re cold. Treating people with respect and honor, kindness and grace – the way God commands is more than enough of a testimony.

Show, Don’t Tell

I never offered to share my beliefs with my students. However, students would always ask. Always. They didn’t ever ask like, “Hey, are you religious?” Or “What’s your religion?” Instead, it was always some version or other of, “You’re a Christian, right? I can tell. You’re always so nice to us.” 

Often I was shocked. Students would explain why they thought I was a Christian citing evidence like the fact that I didn’t curse or curse at them; or, I didn’t yell, I treated them with respect and kindness, or I was helpful. I was glad to think that those were behaviors that they associated with followers of Christ. Sadly, these days, Christians are considered judgmental, angry, hypocritical, uncaring, or out of touch with people’s needs.

The Irony – Up On My Soapbox Saying No Soapboxes

I don’t think you need to preach at people. I believe the greatest sermons are those that are revealed by watching you in action. 

It was not by their sword that they won the land,

nor did their arm bring them victory;

it was your right hand, your arm,

and the light of your face, for you loved them.

Psalm 44:3