You Are A Living Letter

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

You’ve probably heard this statement in some fashion, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (attributed to George Santayana). That’s why it is a good thing to learn from those before us. And that is especially true when it comes to the early Christians. 

While their lives were an open rebuke to the immoral practices of their culture, it was difficult to find fault with them. When they were observed by others around them, it became clear that they were living out the high moral standards they professed.

Perhaps they got if from the Apostle Peter who wrote, “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of the foolish. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover–up for evil; live as God’s servants” [1 Peter 2.15].

The Apostle Paul wrote the same thing, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” [Titus 2.7-8].

They, of course, were repeating the words of Jesus when He said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” [Matthew 5.16].

These precious words should remind us to seek after a credible and worthy walk, because the world is watching us.

The great preacher Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) wrote, “The world takes its notion of God most of all from those who say they belong to God’s family. They read us a great deal more than they read the Bible. They see us; they only hear about Jesus.” 

One of my Bible College professors was fond of saying, “A knowledge of Bible doctrine, as important as it is, is inadequate by itself to influence the world for Christ. To be a testimony to the world, we need to live what we profess.”

I say, “Amen.” What do you say?

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men. 2 Corinthians 3.1-2