We are all faced with choices. Look down the isles in the supermarket or the abundance of stores at the mall. And then we also have really big choices in life such as whether we speak the truth or tell lies. In other words, we have the choice to be a faithful witness or a false witness."A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies." (Proverbs 14:5)
I was recently asked to sit on a radio panel to discuss the homeless situation here in St. Johns County. I was asked to participate not as a “Christian or Bishop” but as an advocate. This individual felt he wanted to keep religion out of the conversation. I declined the offer, stating that I could no more separate myself from who I was and who I represent than he could. You see, he started the conversation telling me he was an atheist.
As Christians, what we say and how we act can be a powerful witness for the glory of Christ. People are looking for someone they can trust, someone who represents truth. Being truthful to who you were called to be, and who you were called to represent makes a tremendous difference in how you are perceived as a person.
"A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful." (Proverbs 14:25)
We work and live in a secular world. We have a natural human tendency to keep our Christianity rather quiet as we conform to the spirit of secularism in our workplaces, schools, and social clubs - places that may be hostile to Christians. Are Christians absent from these places? Of course not. Christians are everywhere, but maybe it’s not where we are but what we are in those places. What we don’t say or do can be a powerful negative witness just as proper actions can be powerful positive witness.
Today will probably be another day where you will be faced with many choices. As you start your day, what kind of witness do you want to be - a faithful or false witness - in your family, workplace, or school? Do you want to bring blessings to others and honor to Christ?
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (John 16:13-15)
As Christians, we have the Spirit of truth with us and living in us. God the Holy Spirit is our guide and our teacher. He wants our lives to be lives that are defined by truth, not by deception. He wants His light to shine within us at all times. It is by the Spirit that we can be what Christ wants us to be right where we are.
Be what matters,
Bishop Ian
