Evangelism Through Your Lifestyle (Oct. 14)
Read: Ephesians 4:17-5:21
The way we live our lives should be a reflection of Christ, so that people can look at us and be pointed toward Christ.
Several years back, my wife and I found ourselves towards the end of the day with a few hours left to kill. We were soon browsing the featured movies on Netflix to find something light to watch – and ended up agreeing on a newer comedy. Minutes into starting the movie, I found myself uncomfortable with the content being shown and turned to my wife to ask if she felt the same. We ended up shutting off the program just 5 minutes in. The movie was highly rated and it was apparent that many people enjoyed it, but we were uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassed that we had even watched those 5 minutes.
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, sheds a bit of light on why we felt that way while the program was running. He boldly affirms to us that by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we have been called to put off our “old” selves, corrupted by the desires and futility of a world absent of Christ, and to be outfitted instead with a “new” self, fabricated in the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Living in this likeness requires being intentional to live life under a new set of standards. A standard set not by the world, but instead by our God. We have been given the invitation to be an imitation of Jesus Christ. It requires making conscious decisions throughout the day to reject thoughts or actions of the world, and to choose instead to align our thoughts and actions after the model of Jesus Christ. Paul gives a few examples of behavior to reject and behavior to adopt. He writes that we should abstain from sexual immorality, impurities, greed, and obscene speech, and instead practice goodness, righteousness, and truth – walking each day with wisdom as children of light.
Every morning you make the conscious decision as to what clothing to put on for the day. The clothing you choose serves a functional purpose, but will also determine, in part, how those who do not know you personally will initially perceive you. This “new” self that Paul describes is similar in nature. The choices you make and the words you use will also determine how those around you will perceive you and, by relation, how they will perceive the church of God.
Your life and your works act as a testimony to how the Spirit is working in your life. Be attentive to how the Spirit is leading you. Practice putting on your “new” self every morning – and work towards making it second nature as you make decisions throughout the day. Imitate your Savior in private so that as you go out into a world of unbelievers you can be steadfast and allow your life to be used to point others to the glory of God.
Action Step: Identify an area of influence in your life where you have been given the opportunity to be a light for Christ.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for being a God of grace and mercy, and for sending your Spirit to help give me the discernment to choose to be more like you every day. Help align my thoughts, my attitude, and my behavior in such a way that I would point others to your kingdom and your glory. Open the hearts and minds of those around me so that they would be able to see you through my works. I pray that you soften their hearts, so that they may call upon your name. Amen.
Author: Jacob Overkamp