Scripture Reference: Matthew 5: 13-16
The hymn “Lift Him Up” came to mind and I looked up the lyrics. I am familiar with the first verse:
“How to reach the masses, men of every birth
For an answer, Jesus gave the key:
“And I, If I be lifted up from the earth,
I’ll draw all men unto Me.”
The fourth verse struck a chord with me.
“Lift Him up by living as a Christian ought,
Let the world in you the Savior see;
Then men will gladly follow Him who once taught,
“I’ll draw all men unto Me.”
In our efforts to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we can easily be caught up in trendy strategies, or stress over how to present the message. There isn’t anything wrong with being innovative or making the Gospel relevant, yet we can complicate and compromise the gospel when it is more simply received by our living testimony.
Living “as a Christian ought” is not living a life of perfection. It is acknowledging your struggles, giving them to God, giving Him glory for victories in your life, receiving His strength, allowing the Holy Spirit to help you to endure hardship, and worshiping God in your service to others. Seeing this will draw others to Christ.
Jesus describes the disciples as salt of the earth and light of the world. This light isn’t supposed to shine in a room with other light, but “let your light shine before men that they might see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Flashlights aren’t needed in a well lit room or in daylight. Light is only helpful in darkness, and there is plenty darkness in the world today. The world needs to see the light of the gospel in your life. Lift up Jesus by living a life that reflects the power of salvation.
How have you let the light of the gospel shine in your life? Pray for God to use your testimony and life to glorify Him and draw others to salvation.
- Sheyonna Watson