We know we’re supposed to tell people about Jesus. But what if the way we live our everyday lives is making our words hard to believe?
Think about it. It’s confusing to hear a colleague talk about God’s love on Sunday, but then see them gossip, complain, or cut corners on Monday. It’s hard for our family to believe that Jesus brings peace if our home is filled with stress and arguing. There’s a gap between our message and our conduct, and that gap is often the biggest reason people tune us out.
When our lives don’t match our message, it doesn’t just make our words ineffective, it can actually push people away. We become like a billboard for a luxury resort that leads to a dusty, broken-down motel. The disappointment makes people distrust the advertisement altogether.
In Titus 1:16, it describes some people by saying, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” You see, our actions sometimes can literally cancel out our testimony of Jesus Christ. Our lack of patience in a long line, not walking in love towards someone, our stinginess when we could be generous, or our quick temper with our kids or friends can scream so loudly that people can’t hear a word we’re saying about grace.
The solution isn’t to become perfect before we share our faith. It’s to understand that while our fellowship with God is first, our daily life towards others follow. And it is the most important part of our evangelism.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. People should be able to look at the way we handle stress, treat a waiter, or forgive a mistake and see a glimpse of God’s character. Our integrity, joy, and love make them curious. It makes them think, “I want what they have.”
In 1 Peter 3:1-2, Peter encouraged wives to win over their husbands without words, by the purity and reverence of their lives. The principle applies to all of us. A life of consistent love and integrity is a powerful, silent sermon that prepares the heart to receive the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, don’t just share the invitation with your words. Live a life that is an invitation. Let people see the difference Jesus makes in the real world, not just on Sunday, but in the school drop-off line, the break room, and your own living room. When your life matches your message, your words carry the power of authenticity.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 1 Corinthians 2:4.