“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
Titus 2:7-8
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Romans 12:17-18
Our God has chosen us as His witnesses. Witnesses to all who don’t know Him, purposed to declare with our lives who He is and what He has done for us.
We are called to live extraordinary lives. To go above and beyond what others would expect of us. Because we are held to a higher standard—that of Jesus Christ. We are to walk in a manner worthy of His gospel, the glorious truth that our God is mighty to save and that He will awaken our souls, transform our lives, and set us free.
The reality of what He has done affects how we go about our days. How we are in our homes, our careers, our various activities and errands. All of it is a reflection of our heart, where the peace of Christ is to reign. Our God has laid out what this should look like. How the glory of His grace is exhibited in us, the characteristics and actions it will cultivate. Good works. Integrity. Dignity. Sound speech. Honor. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control.
When we live in a manner worthy of His calling, opponents are put to shame. The world will still come against us, as it came against our Lord, but we hold fast to good, abhor evil, and trust that our God will strengthen us in the moments when we feel weary and tempted to falter.
Looking to our God, choosing to follow Him and reflect His character regardless of circumstances, we declare to those around us who He is. A God of love, grace, and righteousness. A God who is steadfast and mighty. A God who saves and brings peace to the far and near.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
Titus 2:11-14
In Pleasant Places 