A WONDERFUL TESTIMONY

The story was told of two brothers who terrorised their community. Stealing, bullying and all manner of despicable acts was their trademark. Soon, one of them died. Then the living brother approached a priest with the following request, ‘Sir, i would pay you anything, just name your price but all you have to do is call my brother a ‘saint’ at his funeral’. The Priest agreed.

At last the funeral day came; the priest mounted the podium and began the sermon. ‘Today, we are gathered to witness the burial of a unique man. This man was a hooligan, thief, terrorist, drug addict and more, but compared to his brother, he was a saint! ’.

Gosh! I laughed my heart out when i heard that story, but seriously, imagine somebody’s testimony. I’m already pondering what mine will be, what is my life’s testimony? . American author, Mark Twain, once said, “Let us endeavour so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry ”.

Our lesson today, narrows down to the life of Paul and the people of Thessalonica.1 Thessalonians 1:1 through 2:20. The apostle Paul wasn’t out to win any popularity contests, but he did lead an exemplary life in Christ. He loved deeply, preached earnestly, served sacrificially and honoured God faithfully.

In today’s world full of hypocrites, sycophants and the likes, like Paul, we may find that not everyone likes us , especially when we take a bold stand for righteousness. Nevertheless, our lives can be wonderful testimonies that can point others, even our enemies to Christ. Genuine Christian living is a powerful testimony for Christ.

It is said that there are 5 gospels, Mathew , Mark, Luke, John and ‘the Christian’ but people hardly read the first 4. Thus dear Christian,  i challenge you, nope! I encourage you to serve God with your lifestyle such that men and even the heavenlies will give testimonies about you.

I recommend that you trust God for every moment, live like Jesus, engage in discipleship, embrace God’s word, and persevere in love even in spite of hardship. As your name is in God’s book of remembrance, i implore you, Do not cease in your work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father (1 Thessalonians 1:3)