“He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium” Acts 16:2 (KJV)
The need for Christians to have sound testimony within and outside the Christian circle cannot be over emphasized. The Christian is the light of the world around him and the salt of the earth. The Christian could be the only bible that some people around him may read. He could wield negative influence or positive influence on the world around him or the people within his circle of influence depending on how he conducts himself in the world.
The life of the Christian could be a confirmation of the gospel he professes or a contradiction depending on his life testimonies. Jesus admonished “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven”. Matthew 5:16 (KJV). Timothy had a testimony of being well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra as well as by the brethren at Iconium. As a believer in Christ, what is your testimony in your yard or neighbourhood? Do you have a sound testimony in your work place? Do brethren in church talk of you as a gossip, a cheat, a liar, a fornicator, a talkative? Do you have sound testimony like Docas who the brethren refused to bury or the house of Stephen said to have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints?
No doubt, some people may criticize and speak evil of you for no just cause but let it be that they persecute you for your commitment to Christ and not as a thief, an adulterer, an evil doer or a busy body in other people’s matter.
Paul admonished Timothy, “let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in live, in spirit, in faith, in purity” 1Timothy 4:12 (KJV).
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to maintain sound testimony in Jesus
Rev. Vincent Diolu