How are our lives a testimony for Jesus?

TL;DR:

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).

from the old testament

God’s people were always meant to be a light to others. Deuteronomy 4:6 shows that the Israelites were to be an example to other nations: “Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”

from the new testament

Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” A life in line with Christ is a testimony to the power of God.
Galatians 2:20 indicates that Christ was shown through Paul’s life, and it implies the same should be true in the lives of all believers: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 5:22–24 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Believers’ behaviors testify to their devotion to Jesus.

implications for today

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.

understand

Believers' lives should reflect a renewed life in Christ, distinct from the world.
Our actions and words are a testimony for Jesus.
A life that glorifies God through the fruit of the Spirit serves as a testimony to others about Christ.

reflect

How does your life reflect the renewed life you have in Christ, and in what ways does it stand apart from the world around you?
When people interact with you, how do they experience you and what does it express about your testimony?
In what areas of your life are your actions and words—your testimony—not aligning with your proclamation as a follower of Christ?

engage

How can we encourage other believers to lead lives that reflect Christ's transformation in us?
What role do our actions play in confirming the gospel we share with others, and why should we take this seriously?
How can we respond in a way that honors God and that provides a godly testimony for others when we sin?

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