Not of This Worldنموونە

Day 7: Called to Be God’s Testimony

In this era of artificial intelligence, images can be easily created and manipulated to suit one’s purposes. An ordinary looking person could be instantly transformed into a glamorous and attractive individual. Such digital tools have aided the growth of carefully curated images in the digital space designed to win people over. Businesses and content creators alike make use of these digitally enhanced images to build their reputation and following online.

When it comes to winning people over to the Gospel, the Bible emphasizes the need for substance over form. Beyond external appearances, believers are to live a holy life, with the hope that such conduct will have a positive and lasting influence on the pre-believers around them. Today’s passage is a continuation of Peter’s ongoing exhortation for believers to glorify God through the way they conduct themselves in their marital relationship.

In particular, Peter speaks to wives with unbelieving husbands, urging them to respect their husbands so they can eventually be won over by their conduct (verses 1-2). He also encourages them to focus on cultivating a godly life, which is far more valuable in God’s eyes, than outward appearance (verse 4). The husbands also need to play their part by being considerate to their wives (verse 7) and showing them love and understanding. Ultimately, by conducting ourselves in a way that honours God in the marital relationship, believers demonstrate the reality of the Gospel to the watching world.

As believers, we are called to be God’s testimony in all areas of our lives, including our marriage. How “good” a Christian marriage is should not be measured by standards like the size of our home and how beautiful it is, the “successes” of our children or how “romantic” our date-nights are. Rather, the mark of a God-honouring marriage is one that exhibits Christ-like love to one another to the extent that it leaves a lasting influence on others.

For those who are single, the call to be God’s testimony can equally be extended to other relationships we have with our family, friends or colleagues. Whether married or single, we are to live up to our identity as God’s holy people, relating to others in ways God would approve.

Prayer points:

• For those who are married, pray that you would relate to your spouse in a Christ-like manner such that your marriage can be one that glorifies God and draws people to Him.
• For those who are single, pray that you will be God’s living testimony through the various relationships He has placed in your life.

Listen:

A Thousand Hallelujahs / I Exalt Thee – Hillsong Worship (Live At Team Night)