FAITH CAPSULE: Christianity is not about what we are against; it is about communicating what we stand for.
Acts 19
The Bible recorded the story of itinerant Jewish exorcists that wanted to conduct what they do not carry inside of them. The Jewish exorcists, after having witnessed miracle from God conducted through Paul the apostle, they attempted to conduct themselves like Paul. It is written, “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” (Acts 19: 13) Interestingly, the evil spirit could not identify them in the conduct of Paul. The evil spirit responded to the Jewish exorcists, “…Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:15-16) The itinerant Jewish exorcists’ conduct does not line with the kind of conduct that carries power of God. How are you conducting your life? Are you answering to what is not your conduct?
As believers in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our conduct is what will serve as communication to our neighbors; our conduct will serve as weapon against confronting challenges. Also, Christianity is not about what we are against; it is about communicating what we stand for. As a believer, you make too much noise in communicating what Christians are against and less noise communicating what Christians stand for. This is because your conduct is not loud enough for an unbeliever to see Christ in you. If for example, at your workplace, there is a call for the persecution of believers in Christ, would you be identified as one that confesses Jesus? Do you think your conduct as a follower of Christ will be enough for your fellow worker to identify you as one to be persecuted, or will there be no evidence for anyone to identify you as a Christian? Think about it; are you a hidden cross carrier? Some kinds of religion can easily be identified by their dressing, haircut, or jewelry. What is it that will identify you as a Christ follower? Paul the Apostle certainly could not have been living in your neighborhood without being recognized as a believer. Even if he chose to be silent, his conduct would identify him. How do you conduct yourself? 2 Corinthians 1:12 says, “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” It is time to quit hiding by being silent in every walk of life. The conduct of a believer should not keep observers guessing whether you are a Christian or not.
Prayer for today: Ask God to help you that your conduct will always bring out the message of the Gospel.