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What Kind Of Mark Are You Leaving On Others?

"The best advertisement of Christianity is a good life. People read us a great deal more than they read the Bible. They see us; they only hear about Jesus Christ." - Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations

What a sobering thought!

The question that we must seriously ask ourselves today is - What are people reading when they open up the book of our life? What kind of information are they gathering about Christ, His Word, His Kingdom, His Ways, and His Principles when they observe our lifestyles?

Whether we realize it or not, our lives may be the only Bible that some people will ever read.

God forbid that we should give them a reason to reject the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior after being acquainted with us. Or that, by our inconsistencies, we would cause someone to live beneath the holy standards of the Word of God and, resultantly, miss heaven for all of eternity.

The Scriptures do instruct us on how we can be effective witnesses for the Lord. Although there may be many more qualities to consider, this message will deal with six of them.

1. Walking Honestly

1 Thessalonians 4:12 - "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

Walking "honestly" before the heathen consists of walking decently, respectably, becomingly, and honorably. It includes living a life of purity, holiness, sobriety, and usefulness before those outside of the church. This would include being honest with others in our speech and mannerisms. At no time are we to tell a lie or live a lie! We are to be faithful in our engagements, contracts, or commitments. We should strive to always be courteous, kind, and patient, always looking for opportunities to extend the goodness of the Lord to those who don't expect or deserve it.

To "walk honestly" before sinners also entails being industrious and competent in a trade or on a job(unless disabled or elderly). At no time, should we be dependent on others - be a "mooch," always looking for a hand-out - due to idleness or laziness, extravagant spending, irresponsibility with resources, or neglect on our part.

2. Being Of Good Report

1 Timothy 3:7 - "Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without..."

Christians should "have a good report" of those who are unsaved. They should be commended by the "outsider" for having an honest and reliable reputation, while living an upright, pure, holy, true, and just life before the eyes of all. Never should their lives exhibit any inconsistencies with that which is moral and chaste, especially when dealing with the opposite sex. They should always demonstrate that their lives are uncompromisingly and strictly regulated - guided by the principles of the Word of God.

One such man who was well-spoken of by all men was Demetrius.
3 John 12 says this of him - "Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true."

Another man who was esteemed by all was Cornelius.
Acts 10:22 says this of him - "And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nations of the Jews..."

Both of these men displayed good characters before all. They had reputations that were founded in the truth and principled by the fear of the Lord. They were noted for their honorable, conscientious, sober, and charitable dealings with others.

3. Setting A Godly Example

1 Thessalonians 1:7 - "So that we were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."

Imagine having such an impact on our world like these believers had on their world!

They were "ensamples to all" who believed in Macedonia and Achaia. In fact, the new Christians readily adopted the beliefs and closely followed the conduct of the Thessalonian Church. What a lasting impression these saints made on them. What a godly influence they had on these new converts!

The word "ensamples" used in this verse denotes anything that is produced by means of a blow. It includes such concepts as that of a mark, print, impression, resemblance, figure, pattern, or model.

4. Having A Demonstrative Faith

1 Thessalonians 1:8 - "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing."

The Faith of these Thessalonian believers spoke for itself - "we need not to speak any thing." No one had to add to it.

Their zeal and fidelity to the Lord and His work was seen and heard by all. It was spreading like a wild fire throughout the surrounding regions. Word was getting out concerning the "faith" and commitment of these dedicated Christians.

There was no doubt in anyone's mind after being around these believers that they were the "Real McCoy." It was quite evident to all that they truly turned from all idolatry and false beliefs and worship and were undeniably and unreservedly serving the Lord Jesus. Trials did not hamper their spiritual progress in any way. In fact, they only served to make them stronger.

5. Being God's Reporter & Crime Stopper

Matthew 5:13-14 - "Ye are the salt of the earth...Ye are the light of the world..."

What does "light" do? For one thing, it makes visible that which is hidden.
What does "salt" do? Among its many qualities, it preserves from corruption.

Like the sun, Christians are to shed light on God's ways and will for mankind. They are to bring to the surface such things as the holy requirements of God as well as man's condition and his duty before Him and others. They are to be God's Reporters, commenting on all of the everyday happenings in the light of the Scriptures.

In a world that is morally corrupt, they are to serve as God's Crime Stoppers. By their godly influence and example, they are to act as "salt" in stopping the process of death caused by crime, vice, evil, wickedness, and depravity in people's lives.

6. Being A Spectacle To The World

Matthew 5:14 - "...A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

There is no such thing as a "closet Christian."

This verse clearly illustrates that believers are to stand out among others like "a city that is set on a hill." They are constantly in the public's view. Their every move and decision is watched, observed, and scrutinized. Hence, they walk circumspectly(avoiding even the very appearance of evil) and handle their affairs wisely, lest at any time they should bring reproach to the name of Christ.

Where do you find yourself in this message?
How do you qualify as an effective witness in this world?

Are you walking honestly before the heathen? Are you reliable? Do you keep your commitments? Can others depend on you to get a job done well? Do you carry yourself in a decent and respectable manner?

Do you have a "good report" of those that are "without" as well as among the believers? What are others saying about you this day? What do they see in your lifestyle that is commendable and reflective of the Power of the Gospel operating in your life?

What kind of lasting impression are you leaving on those who know you personally? What kind of impact are you having on the younger generation who observe your lifestyle at home, on the job, in church, or in the neighborhood?

Is your Faith so demonstrative that there is no doubt in others' minds as to which side of the fence you are on in current issues? Is it evident to others that you have abandoned all idols and that the Lord Jesus is your First Love? Do others know you as one who has devoted his or her life to the Lord's service?

Are you God's Reporter? Do you speak out for Him on the job and in your relationships? Are people informed about the Truth of His Word after being around you?

Are you God's Crime Stopper? Do others curb their ungodly conversation and mannerisms whenever you come around? Does your godly influence bring conviction on those who are not right with the Lord? Do you provoke people to live holy by your bold influence?

Knowing that you are constantly under the surveillance of the world, do you live as to bring constant glory to the Lord? Do you watch your behavior, whether it be in private or in public, so as not to bring reproach to the cause of Christ?

Remember the opening quote?

"The best advertisement of Christianity is a good life. People read us a great deal more than they read the Bible. They see us; they only hear about Jesus Christ."

Let's never forget these words.
We are under constant watch; therefore, we must live our lives in a way that is pleasing unto the Lord and will influence others to live for Him as well. What a grave responsibility!

Matthew Henry said - "Christians should be so good as by their example to influence others."

May that be true of all of us.

May God Bless His Word.
Connie

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