Be True
Originally scheduled for November 14
You need not say, "I am true." Be true.
- C. H. Spurgeon.
Many Christians are convinced that there is no sense in
attempting to witness to others. Street evangelism is beyond them;
preaching to a crowd is something they cannot even think of. But
each of us does have the privilege of proclaiming the life of Christ
— in our own lives. Think of it this way:
- What about your speech? Has it changed since you become a
Christian? Do people know that you are a man of faith because of
the way you speak? You may have noticed that certain Christians
seem to quiet the wave of obscenities whenever they enter the
room. It is the tribute that vice pays to virtue; it is the
evidence of a life in Christ.
- Consider to your honesty — the fundamental integrity of a
human being. Do people "just know" that you are trustworthy? Is
your word your bond? This is particularly noteworthy in the
small things of life. Nothing so impresses the waitress as when
you hand back the change she should not have given you. It may
only be a few nickels, but the testimony is golden.
- There is also the matter of kindness. Most of us are sure
that if we were confronted with a major test of kindness, we
would glow with Christian charity. Most of us never get such a
test. It is the kindness in every day living, the care for those
whose claim on our kindness is so small, that marks the
Christian witness. You may not even remember the act of kindness
that bears witness to Christ upon someone else.
Your life proclaims Christ, if you are a Christian. You also
proclaim him at communion. Do you not see it? Why would you take
communion, unless Christ had made such a sacrifice for us? More than
that, you wouldn't do this unless you believed that sacrifice was
effective in cleansing you of your sins.
An honest man cannot be deceived. When you take communion, you
proclaim the Lord's death until he comes again — which means you
believe he is coming again. Let the integrity of your life be the
witness that says this communion is effective, and my Lord shall
soon return.
