And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

Titus 2:7

Before many people will ever read His Word, they will first read my life.

That’s a weighty realization, isn’t it. Read it again. Personalize it. Really let it settle in.

As I consider the statement, I can’t help but ask myself,

“Does my testimony (the story of God’s grace and goodness in my life) lead people to His Word?”

“Does my witness (the way I live my life daily) give others a desire to get to know God better?”

Sweet friend, I don’t know about you, but I’ve always appreciated the straightforward nature of the book of Titus and of James, both of which are short but still mighty when it comes to speaking truth about how we should live as followers of Jesus Christ.

When I consider Titus and James alongside the words written by Paul to the church of Galatia,

“I am crucified with Christ and though I live, I do not live for myself for Christ lives in me; I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

it reinforces the truth that my life is not my own to live however I wish. My soul has been saved, redeemed, made new and my life ought to be a living record of God’s work in me. Those I encounter, whether we spend 5 seconds, 5 minutes, or 5 years together, ought to be able to see the difference God has made and is making in my life even if they don’t know much about God or Jesus at all.

As I reflect on this, I must return to the questions above and ask more:

• Am I doing my part?
• Am I being obedient to God’s teachings so that others can see His work in me?
• Am I speaking, listening, acting in a way that reflects the attitude and actions of Jesus Christ?
• Do my actions and attitude result in good works and reflect God’s teaching?

Beloved, these are questions that take daily meditation. Questions that can steer us in right ways when we catch ourselves feeling like the answer might be more of a “no” or a hesitating “eh…” than a solid “yes”.

Brothers and Sisters, I am thankful for questions. I am thankful for the questions God asks us to bring us closer to Him and for how openly He invites us to ask Him questions that we might know Him better. As I go throughout my day today, I plan to keep the questions above on my mind and allow them to steer my speech and actions and attitude toward a “yes”.

May I encourage you to do the same?

Asking questions is a great way to start learning, but listening to the answers and doing something positive with that information is where the real learning takes place.

Ask today. Listen. Reflect. Change what needs changed. Ask God for help changing. Be a living testimony of His goodness, a powerful witness of His teachings! Let your life lead others to want to know God better.