In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

Once I was lamenting to a friend about my inability to boldly declare the gospel at work.  It’s not because I didn’t want to share directly, but like most people, I work in a secular profession.  In most of my professional involvements it would be out of place to hand out bibles or boldly proclaim the gospel message.  I told my friend that I thought I was where God wanted me, yet I wondered if I might be more productive for the Lord if I went into full-time ministry.

My friend didn’t debate the question of whether or not I was in the right profession, but he gave me great advice. When I finished my lament he paused for a moment and then said to me, “Just live your life.” He told me if I was where God wanted me to be my witness would be effective if I just lived my life as a follower of Christ. My actions would speak louder than words. My Christian conduct and worldview would serve as my witness. Essentially, my friend was paraphrasing Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus tells his followers that they are “the light of the world” and that they should “let their light shine before men.”

A consistent Christian lifestyle produces a powerful testimony to God’s love, compassion, and grace and it may be the only gospel outreach to which our friends and colleagues are exposed.  In Ephesians 4:1 the Apostle Paul wrote, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” If you do that your light will shine brightly and God will be glorified as you just live your life before those around you.

Is the way you’re living your life an effective witness for Christ to those around you? Ask God to give you a powerful lifestyle witness to your family, friends, colleagues and co-workers.