Titus 2

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. ‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Your actions should match up with what you say and teach.  One of the most damaging things you can do to God’s kingdom is to be a hypocrite, living your life differently than what you say you believe.  In order for people to clearly see Jesus at work in today’s world, they need to see Him in you.  If you claim to be a Christian, then you need to understand His commands in the Bible, teach them to others, and follow them yourself in your daily life.  Jesus says in Luke 11:28: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”  Memorizing, understanding, and studying Scripture is not enough.  “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:22,25).  When others notice the light of Jesus shining through you because of your work ethic, your compassion, your joy, your peace, your generosity, your self-control, your good deeds, and your faithfulness, you will undoubtedly get an opportunity to share the Gospel at some point.  When you are questioned about how you live your life, that’s your chance to give God all the glory!  People will be curious at first, and then will want to know more so that they, too can live their lives that way.  If you continue to be a consistent, godly example for those around you, you will eventually lead others to Christ.  But if you proclaim your strong faith one minute, and then gossip, complain, yell, curse, and give into worry the next minute, this will definitely hurt the Kingdom of God and will not draw anyone towards Jesus.  Your words and what you teach people are important, but your actions are even more so.  So as you interact with others, always remember that you are a representative for Jesus: “…we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NLT).  The world is dark, especially for those who do not know God.  Holley Gerth from Proverbs 31 ministries says: “The only way to get rid of the darkness is to add more light.”  Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

So go out there today and light it up!