True Testimonial

Today’s Reading: John 19:34-35 (NIV)

34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.

Good morning!

How important is your testimony?

I see a lot of testimonials on television. Public service advertisements offer one testimonial after another. Buy our product and you are guaranteed to lose weight, acquire six pack abs and lower your blood sugar and blood pressure by 20 points. A certain brand of blue jean will make you more popular with friends at school. You can be athlete of the year if you wear a certain name brand apparel, shoe, or have the “right” gear. I especially enjoy the “no obligation” and “money-back” guarantees that are placed alongside these promotions. The fine print flies by so quickly on the screen that it takes speed reading and a magnifier to see and understand the disclaimers that come with these ads.

Should our written and verbal testimony need a disclaimer?

We often think of the courtroom witness when we think about giving testimony. Speaking the truth is something we should do every day, not only when we take an courtroom oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, even harder to speak. I am fascinated by the candor and transparency of online chatter. On social networking sites, we read the thoughts and views of the people we know. Our perspectives are so varied and unique. How do we choose to share the truth with others? This morning, as you launch into your day, be especially aware of God’s truth living within you. Focus on the things you think, say and do. Would your life’s testimony stand up in a court of law?

The beloved disciple was an eyewitness to the Truth. He walked alongside His Lord, and stayed with Him even at the cross. Was He the only disciple brave enough to follow Jesus to Golgotha? I’ve often wondered if this is why John did not die a martyr’s death like all the other disciples. He was exiled to the island of Patmos where He spent the remainder of his days seeing visions of rapture and writing an account of Christ’s coming return. His eyewitness account of Christ’s death at Calvary is important for all believers everywhere.

John’s personal testimony to Christ’s physical death on the cross is the key in sharing Christ’s resurrection with the world. How will you personally testify to the saving power of Jesus Christ?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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