You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:1-3
Every day, regardless of where we are or what we’re doing, we are creating a testimony. Even if no one else is around. It may sound strange, yet it’s true.
Even when we’re alone, Heaven is watching how we live, what we do, and what we say. We’re leaving a testimony. You might say we’re building our heavenly portfolio.
The testimony we leave
The testimony that our lives leave with others is also the testimony we leave in Heaven.
Do our actions show that we follow Christ? Do we always do the right thing, even when no one is looking? Do we choose the Christlike paths of integrity, self-denial, and faithfulness?
Do our words express Christ’s gentleness? Do our actions display his love? Do others remember them and want to be like us?
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
A testimony is like a fragrance. Our lives either emanate the sweet fragrance of Christ or a stench that makes others run from us. It all depends on how we live and the choices we make.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. – For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done,” — Matthew 16:24, 27.
Doing the right thing is often costly. It means responding with kindness when we’d rather lash out. Loving others often requires us to sacrifice our own desires. It means showing patience in frustrating situations. It means loving the unlovable and extending grace even when it’s not deserved.
What testimonial fragrance are we creating with our lives?
As we go about our lives, let’s strive to live so close to Christ that we become like Him and begin to exude His sweet fragrance. Let’s remember that we are always surrounded by an audience.
Even when we’re all alone, God is our audience of One. Let’s gladden His heart with the testimony of our lives!
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
Images: Perfume bottle by silviarita. | Blossoms by PaulaPawson/ both via Pixabay.
As a stay at home mum with older teenagers such that I have been “staying home” more than I ever have, this is a great reminder and encouragement. Thank you! (Your FMF neighbour).
Hello, neighbor! I have been a stay-at-home mom and wife for years, so I fully understand how you can relate to this. Sometimes it feels like I’m alone too much. But those are the times when I need to remember that God is always with me. And with you too! Be blessed!
An audience of one. Great thoughts. They should linger in our minds often,especially in the mundane parts of life
Thanks Gary. You are so right. I think we especially tend to forget God is with us during those mundane moments. It would surely change our lives a lot if we could but remember that we always have an audience of one.
Oh yes–to sparkle with the light of Jesus so that others are drawn to him. Even when we’re all alone, that light is being polished. Inspiring words, Sheila!
Thanks Nancy. I like that sparkle for Jesus… yes, that is what I want to do!
Beautiful, amen! God bless!
Thank you so much, Ryan. God bless you too!