Worship Band Devotions

Transparency - Part 5
Do your neighbors know that you’re a follower of Jesus Christ? Do your co-workers? How might they be able to tell?

For some, we can tell by the way they face difficulty. Perhaps there is an illness or financial hardship. Yet they continue to trust in God’s care and provision. A supernatural strength surrounds them as they face troubles of many kinds.

For others, we can tell by their sense of clear direction from God, the success of their decisions, their deep understanding of spiritual things. The presence of God is evident in their life. Just being near them makes others feel somehow different, lifted, encouraged, or even blessed.

Still others show their faith in Christ through their strong commitment to living a holy life, investment into God’s kingdom, and trust in the word of God. They have evaluated the options for religion, philosophy, and life; and now they cannot be swayed away from their strong commitment.

Scripture describes this kind of evidence of faith in Christ:

“Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5).

Words are helpful in communicating information about the good news of salvation through faith in Christ. Yet a living testimony filled with power, the Spirit of God, and deep conviction carries the potential to transform lives.

So ask yourself: how might others be able to tell that I am a follower of Jesus Christ? What irrefutable evidence do I show them? How do I face difficulty and hardship? How is my trust in God shown by my attitudes and actions? Where is the Holy Spirit most active in my life? Do I truly have a deep conviction for Christ? Am I fully committed to holy living, investing in God’s kingdom, and trusting in his word?

Lord, shine through me so that others might see you, alive and active in my heart and life. Inspire my words. Fill me with your power. Shape me and lead my by your Spirit. And deepen my conviction and commitment to Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.