Ifyou live in Lagos, you’ve probably experienced those scenarios where two people are fighting and one of them keeps shouting “Do you know who I am? Do you know who you’re talking to?” In most cases, in your mind, you’re probably thinking, “No, clearly we don’t know who you are and if you’re truly who you think you are, you don’t need to shout for us to know you”.
In the same way, as Christians, we shouldn’t need to announce our faith for people to recognize it.
Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” (James 2:18 NLT)
Emphasis is on the statement “I will show you my faith by my good deeds”. This shows that our actions are a major indicator of our faith and Christian identity. It is important to note that the first recorded use of the term “Christian” is in the New Testament, in Acts 11 after Barnabas brought Saul (Paul) to Antioch where they taught the disciples for about a year. Verse 26 says that “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch”. It was the people of Antioch who saw the way the disciples conducted themselves and decided to call them Christians — which simply means followers of Christ. This tells us that the people of Antioch could see the disciples’ faith through their deeds.
In our context, when people interact with us, they should feel a difference. Not because we tell them we’re Christians, but because our behaviour aligns with Christ’s teachings.
Our actions and the way we treat others are one of the major ways people can tell our faith from our deeds. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34–35 NLT).
This passage directly links our love for others to our identity as followers of Christ. The way we treat others should be a clear reflection of God’s love for them. If we’re truly His disciples, we should be ambassadors of God’s love everywhere we go!
Another way people can tell we are Christians is by our speech. Yes, our speech can be a powerful testimony to our faith. “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT).
It is expected of us as Christians to speak in ways that uplift and encourage others, rather than tearing them down. Don’t be that person who posts negative comments on social media. Or that person everyone knows is an expert in foul and abusive language. Rather, choose to be that person everyone wants to speak with because they know you’ll leave them encouraged and edified.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16)
You have a mandate to live your life as light in this dark world. You need to live so brightly that people around you can see and experience the love of Christ in you without the need for words. When our lives reflect Christ, people don’t need to wonder or ask who we are.
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