Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day God visits us. (1 Peter 2:12)

What was it that was so powerful when John pointed out Jesus as the Messiah, the One to follow? Why did other people believe him and accept the power of that particular testimony? The reasons can be found simply in John’s life.

Consider every aspect of John’s life. They showed his commitment to the message he carried. What he ate, what he wore, where he lived, how he spoke—all these things identified him as completely surrendered to seeing God’s will fulfilled on this earth.

Second, John’s message focused on God, not on John. His listeners were offered hope through two images that represent God’s mercy and forgiveness: the lamb and the dove.

Our challenge is direct and immediate. We need to closely examine our testimonies regarding God in light of our daily walks, our witness about Jesus Christ and what God has done for us and how they are received by others. Are our lives lived as children of God? Is our language clean enough to represent God’s presence being here? Is our focus on God’s will or on our selves and our “wants?” Simply put, what do we need to change in order to make an impact on the people around us?

God of love and mercy, fill my heart with the words and actions that I might emulate You and Your presence on earth!