“Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. … let your light so shine before this world, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16-18

In January of this year, I flew to Zurich to participate in a workshop. Our focus was the evaluation of a software system that our company was considering purchasing. Technicians came to demonstrate the capabilities of their system and they had even built a “live” instance so that we could see it working.

For three days we asked questions and watched as someone who was very skillful and knowledgeable addressed our questions and showed us how our unique needs could be fulfilled.

We had all read the literature, seen the power point marketing pitches, talked to other users, but none of that was enough to convince us. We needed a real visible and tangible demonstration to help us make up our minds. We are a society of skeptics. It is our nature to want to “kick the tires” before we buy.

The world about us has tremendous needs. Nations are in distress and fear is causing men’s hearts to fail. They need a new system. The old ways have never worked. The world needs something that will solve the difficulties, evils and troubles of our day.

Man’s systems have been weighed in the balance and found wanting and are beginning to crumble before our eyes. A viable alternative is needed. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to what ails mankind. How do we let them know?

We too can create web sites, tracts, and hand out Bibles and Book of Mormons and these are all valuable and needful “marketing” activities. These will peak the interest of many and even bring them into our sanctuaries for a closer look … but will they buy?

What the world really needs to convince them to turn their hearts to God is the visible expression of what our literature says. Much like doubting Thomas, they will not believe until they see.

We are purveyors of the Gospel and we have become skilled and knowledgeable in its practical application. But the competition is fierce and more than ever, we need to become the “live” example of its transforming power.

A.W. Tozer described our present dilemma when he wrote: “In the world of men we find nothing approaching the virtues of which Jesus spoke in the opening words of the famous Sermon on the Mount. Instead of poverty of spirit we find the rankest kind of pride; instead of mourners we find pleasure seekers; instead of meekness, arrogance; instead of hunger after righteousness we hear men saying, ‘I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing’; instead of mercy we find cruelty; instead of purity of heart, corrupt imaginings; instead of peacemakers we find men quarrelsome and resentful; instead of rejoicing in mistreatment we find them fighting back with every weapon at their command. Of this kind of moral stuff civilized society is composed. The atmosphere is charged with it; … A whole world of literature has been created to justify this kind of life as the only norm alone.”

Have we received His image in our countenances? Have we experienced a mighty change in our hearts? Do we exercise faith in the redemption offered by He who created us?

As judgments are poured out upon all nations in the days that are immediately before us, there will be many seeking answers and solutions. May our lives become the demonstration of the light and power and majesty of our God to stand as a witness and testimony of the redemption He offers and desires for all mankind.

In the end it is not what we say but who we are that bears the greatest testimony.