Who Do Men Say You Are ?

'Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit'. Mathew 12:33

In Mathew 16:13, the Lord Jesus asked His disciples this question, "Who do men say that I am?"  The answers that were given all reflected Christ’s personality and nature in different ways. The way people see us often shouts louder about who we are than any verbal testimony we can give. We witness to people every day about who we are and what we stand for without opening our mouths. Who we are and what we portray to the world are two issues that Jesus says are not separate.

Known By Their Fruits

The Bible records that the word ‘Christian’ was first used in a place called Antioch because the people in question behaved like Christ. The Bible also says, 'Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit'. Mathew 12:33.  It then follows that when the work of regeneration (salvation) takes place in the life of an individual, a spiritual change takes place which is manifested in an outward change.

Witnessing By Our Lifestyles

We live in a country where it is difficult to witness to people directly. In a lot of places, it is almost a taboo to mention anything to do with God or religion. Even in these difficult situations, it is possible to witness to people by our lifestyle and actions.  People are drawn to the light you carry inside you and the peace you should manifest as a believer. Without speaking, people know you have something different in you. Acts of kindness, acts of compassion all go a long way in opening the doors of witnessing until the Lord brings an opening or an opportunity to talk about what you believe. I once had the opportunity to know a lovely girl who was not saved. I was a new employee and company policy stated clearly you were not to bother/harass people on the basis of religion, sexual orientation etc. Needless to say I read in between the lines and knew I could not witness directly here. The Lord in his way brought this girl and I to work together and in time we got to know each other well till she could share her challenges. I sensed this was the opening God had created and gave her godly counsel without being ‘preachy’. She appreciated what I told her and I could tell an impression had been made. She left not long after and I was unable to follow her up. I had however prayerfully done what God required of me; I had sown some seeds in her life which the creator Himself would water.

The Reverse Works Too

Sadly, many believers do not realise the impact our lifestyles have on the souls of others. The hearts of men get hardened when they see believers behave in ways that are not Christ-like. The devil also tells them, "There you go, they are all hypocrites pretending to be better than others".  I have heard of people who have fallen from faith because of the actions of other believers. God forbid that some one should go to hell because of my actions. The Lord Jesus says every idle word which men shall speak, they will give account of. Have we thought about what influence we are exerting on the souls of men? Jesus says he who is not gathering with him is actually scattering. Are we gathering or scattering? Can our neighbours testify that we live peaceable and simple lives or that we are the sort that gives as good as we get and cannot be trifled with? Remember Jesus said when we repay good for evil, we actually heap burning coals on the heads of our enemies. Many have been won by acts of mercy and a refusal on the part of Christians to retaliate but instead do good. I believe God is calling us to search inwardly. Do others see Christ in us? Whatever the answer, the power of God is available to make us like Christ.

Remain blessed and highly favoured

Titi Obishai (MRS)