Watch Your Life

Even if you are a believer and consider yourself to be a follower of Christ, you still may not think of yourself an evangelist. But even though you might not preach from the pulpit or the street corner, and even though you may not knock on doors or pass out tracts, you are still an ambassador of Christ. Your very life can be a testimony to him and his work within you. Every believer, whether they want to admit it or not, is in fact a living testimony of their faith. Sometimes our life can glorify Christ, and other times it may not. But we need to continue to be on guard and watch our life closely so that we reflect Christ when others observe us. First Timothy chapter 4 verse 16 says:

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

I’ve heard it say that we should preach the word of God to everyone, and when necessary, use words. That implies that our life is always on display. And if we identify with Christ, then our life, and in truth our “doctrine”, may be scrutinized. The bible says that if we persevere in our efforts to live a life that lines up with the word of God then we will save both ourselves and our hearers - or in some cases our “watchers”. So I encourage you with the words from first Timothy; “Watch your life and doctrine closely, persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers”.

---

One of the biggest turn offs for unbelievers of Christianity is hypocritical Christians; when we display hate, judgment, sin or any act that is contrary to the Spirit. We need to live what we believe whether it be in public or private; whether we think people are watching or not. The love and the likeness of Christ should shine through our human short-comings so that when others see us, they see him. But of course, we are not perfect. We can’t be on our “A” game all of the time. Though in as much as it is possible with us, we need to strive to not become a stumbling block to those who are searching. On the contrary, we should be the light of Christ. So I encourage you to watch your life and your doctrine closely. Because you may be the only reflection of Christ that someone may see.