How to Build a Testimony
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.”
Luke 7:4–5
An overwhelming majority of the Jews in Jesus’ day hated the Romans. They had enjoyed a brief respite of freedom following the revolt led by the Maccabees only to be conquered a few years later by the mighty Roman Empire. There were constant conflicts between the Jewish people and the occupying forces. While the Romans allowed certain freedoms to the lands that they captured, they made it clear who was in charge and enforced the edicts of the empire at the point of the sword. Thousands of Roman soldiers were stationed in Israel as a daily reminder of Roman power.
Yet even among the despised occupying force, there were some men who distinguished themselves by their compassion for the Jewish people. One of them was a high-ranking officer, a centurion who had one hundred soldiers under his command. Rather than treating the Jewish people harshly as some of his peers no doubt did, he went so far as to construct a synagogue for Jewish worship. And when he found himself in need of Jesus’ help, the Jewish people urged Jesus to work on his behalf. That is a powerful testimony and a challenge to all of us.
The primary image that the world sees of Jesus is that which is reflected in our lives. In large measure they form their opinion of God based on their opinion of us. And sadly there are too many times when our lives do not demonstrate God’s love and holiness to the watching world. Mahatma Gandhi of India is quoted as saying, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.” May it never be said that we have done something to make people turn away from God.
Luke 7:4–5
An overwhelming majority of the Jews in Jesus’ day hated the Romans. They had enjoyed a brief respite of freedom following the revolt led by the Maccabees only to be conquered a few years later by the mighty Roman Empire. There were constant conflicts between the Jewish people and the occupying forces. While the Romans allowed certain freedoms to the lands that they captured, they made it clear who was in charge and enforced the edicts of the empire at the point of the sword. Thousands of Roman soldiers were stationed in Israel as a daily reminder of Roman power.
Yet even among the despised occupying force, there were some men who distinguished themselves by their compassion for the Jewish people. One of them was a high-ranking officer, a centurion who had one hundred soldiers under his command. Rather than treating the Jewish people harshly as some of his peers no doubt did, he went so far as to construct a synagogue for Jewish worship. And when he found himself in need of Jesus’ help, the Jewish people urged Jesus to work on his behalf. That is a powerful testimony and a challenge to all of us.
The primary image that the world sees of Jesus is that which is reflected in our lives. In large measure they form their opinion of God based on their opinion of us. And sadly there are too many times when our lives do not demonstrate God’s love and holiness to the watching world. Mahatma Gandhi of India is quoted as saying, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.” May it never be said that we have done something to make people turn away from God.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Each day we either build or tear down the testimony that we have in the eyes of those around us.
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