Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . Truthful (Part 4).

Because we live in a society where truth has become relative (for some), we have had to devise ways to get others to believe us and even to trust us. As children, to our explanation of truth, we added, “I promise,” or “Cross my heart and hope to die (and we may even add, ‘stick a needle in my eye’).” As adults we get a bit more sophisticated and say something like, “Well, to be honest with you,” or “To be totally honest with you.” Our hope is that, by adding these words, we will emphasize our honesty and make others believe the words we are saying. Yet, “To be honest with you,” when I hear such explanations to what one has to say, I think to myself, “Has this person not been honest with me before?”

Speaking to the crowds during the sermon on the mountain, Jesus said, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). As is often the case, Jesus’ Words come crashing down on our own words and lives even accusing and convicting us.

The point is that our Lifestyle Evangelism shows itself in letting our “Yes” be “Yes,” and our “No,” “No,” and not giving any further explanation except to live our “Yes” and “No” so that it shows forth in our lives. As we let our “Yes” be “Yes,” and our “No,” “No,” others will see and understand what it means to be a Christian, what it means to live lives of truthfulness and honesty. Ultimately, we may be able to point them back to the One who is the Truth, Jesus Himself, as we will have opportunity to give an answer which states that, because of our faith in Jesus, we must speak with truthfulness. Thus, there is no doubt that, when we speak (without adding any explanation concerning the truthfulness or honesty of which we are about to speak), the one hearing and listening can know for certain that our words are true because our Lord and Savior is Truth, and He expects nothing less from each one of us, His dear children.

12 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs