Life Of IntegritySample

"Paul's Diligence"

Imagine all the times you’ve listened to a friend vent about their troubles. While sitting there quietly and attentively listening to their hardships, have you ever sensed a small voice in the back of your head saying: “He/she needs to know Jesus! They’d feel so much relief and peace about this if they only knew Jesus and the promises God has made for them!”

Have you ever found yourself in this circumstance, but shied away from the opportunity to share your faith with the friend in need? Maybe your friend was seeking forgiveness, an answer, or even just understanding from a close friend. Maybe they didn’t know to seek Jesus for this first, because they have never heard about who He is, and the Good News God has brought through Him.

Paul called us to be diligent in living a godly lifestyle and taking on the role of “teacher.” Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that we must take on a teaching or leadership role as a job or career. Rather, we can take on the role of teacher everywhere, in every circumstance. Even in conversations that you have with friends, acquaintances, classmates, and non-immediate family members, you can redirect every conversation to include the Good News of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 4:10-11 says, “That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the Living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.”

Next time a friend comes to you with a problem or complaint, share Jesus! Redirect them to God’s goodness, to the freedom of the cross, and to the promise that He is good in all things – even the trials!

Ask yourself: How can I take on the role of being a teacher of God’s Word and promise in all places, with all people? Consider how powerful your personal testimony is. Trust your knowledge about the Good News of Christ Jesus – be bold in sharing it again and again!