Believers should lead renewed lives in Christ that are distinct from the way the world lives. Our actions and words—our testimony—should show others we are truly Christ’s followers.
The Bible teaches that God’s people are to be separate and distinct from the world. The Old and New Testaments show that true believers are to lead lives that glorify God. In the Old Testament, God chose the Israelites to be a light to other nations (Deuteronomy 4:5–7; Psalm 67:1–2; Isaiah 49:6). The Mosaic Law was meant as a way to set apart Israel as a holy nation (Exodus 19:5–6; Leviticus 20:26). However, the Israelites repeatedly fell into sin, even worshiping idols (Judges 2:11–12; Nehemiah 9:26). The New Testament records Christ coming in human form to deliver the Jews from the burden of the law (Galatians 3:24–25) and cover all those who believe in Him with His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9). Scripture teaches that those who believe in Christ as Messiah are no longer slaves to sin but can now lead lives that testify to Christ (Romans 6:6–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; 5:22–24). Through word and deed, believers should be a living testimony to Jesus (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:1–2; 1 John 2:6).
In court, witnesses testify to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They tell what they saw or what they know about someone. But not all witnesses are convincing. A witness’s credibility depends on his or her own character. A thief’s testimony carries less weight than that of the hardworking, kind mother. How good of a witness are you for Christ? How does your testimony about Jesus stand up in your interactions with others? Does your life match your words? When interacting with others, do you show the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–24)? Can people tell you’re a Christian by your words, actions, attitudes, and interactions before you tell them you are? We should ask ourselves these self-reflective questions. As Christians, our lives should testify to Christ. If our testimony is effective, others will see the difference and wonder about how they can get what we have. That opens the door to sharing the gospel. In other words, a believer's testimony is in both deed and words. When these two agree, we send a clear message about who we are and whose we are. Our actions give credibility to our words, and our words explain the truth of who Jesus is and how people can be saved. Through word and deed, believers should be a living testimony to Jesus.