Fall 2003
Our Witness
Everett Allen

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,
which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this
world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will
of God.” Romans 12:1-2.

The life of Christ, which abides in each of us, serves a dual purpose.

First, we “speak” our Lord’s words and “obey” His will for our lives, as Jesus did. Thus, what we “do,” becomes a witness to others.

Secondly, at the same time, we live a life that is not of “self,” but committed to the Lord. As a result, the life of God flows out through us. Thus, what we “are,” becomes a witness to others.

When our Lord’s words are spoken by those who have totally submitted themselves to Him, their words have the power to produce spiritual life and growth.

The words of those who are not committed to the Lord have no “life” in them, therefore these words cannot produce life.

Jesus said,

“The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly.” John 10:10.

When we, as Christians, come to understand the “power” of both our “life” and of our “words,” it becomes imperative that we indeed present our lives totally to Him, for the outworking of His purposes through us.