Dear Church,

A problem exists: people who don’t really know Jesus try to represent Him. And instead of testifying to His wonderful works, we end up testifying to our religion.  People are told sin is wrong, lust and adultery are wrong, but they don’t actually see Jesus.  Yes, those things are wrong.  But most people won’t let go of what they love until they first meet the One who loves them more.  Yes, sin is sin, but people must meet Christ’s love before they will abandon their love of sin.  It is Christ’s love that brings contrition and repentance.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine… so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father” (Matthew 5:16).  If good works bring glory, then our compromise brings dishonor.  Paul warned, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Romans 2:24).  David knew this firsthand.  When he sinned, his witness became a reproach.  So, he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God… Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You” (Psalm 51:10–13).  Do we see the order David is seeking?  First, a clean heart, forgiven and cleansed by God with sincere motives, then a credible witness.

The world has heard too many Christians speak about a life they are not living, and many conclude, “Christianity doesn’t work.”

Parents, do we want our children raised for Christ?  Do we want our words to carry eternal weight?  Then let us not just talk Christianity, let us walk with Jesus. “Walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16), and let His fruit be seen: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” (Galatians 5:22–23).  If we want our spouse, our friends, our family to be drawn to Christ, let them meet Jesus through us.

Be encouraged,
Mathews