Living as a Hope-Filled Beacon for Christ
How aligning our lives with Jesus makes us powerful witnesses
Have you ever thought about the people who have to be ready for anything at a moment's notice? They are called “first responders,” people that are on standby, like ambulance services, doctors, fire fighters, the police and military, pilots, and pastors. Their jobs require constant preparedness and the ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances.
But as followers of Jesus, did you know that the same call to preparedness applies to us as well? The Bible instructs us in 1 Peter 3:15, "Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
We might not think of ourselves as needing to be "on call" like an emergency worker or member of the fire brigade. Yet this verse makes it clear: we need to be ready at any moment to explain the incredible hope we have in Christ. And not just ready to rattle off facts, but prepared to do so with a humble, loving attitude.
Why does this matter so much? Because, as representatives of Jesus, our lives are a mirror that reflects Him in the world around us.
People can't see the real Jesus directly, but they can observe the "Jesus" they see in us—His followers.
If we want people to learn about and experience God's amazing love themselves, then we need to be the channels of that love through our own actions and attitudes. The same goes for His compassion, generosity, wisdom, and every other aspect of His perfect character.
We can't expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded us unless we are also observing His commands ourselves. When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His love, joy, and hope to transform you. As this happens, your life becomes an act of worship that reveals His hope within you."
It's not enough for us to simply talk about Jesus; we have to walk the walk. Our actions have to line up with His teachings if we want to make a real impact. As Alexander the Great told the soldier with the same name, “Change your conduct or change your name.” As Christians, we have to change our conduct. When our lifestyle authentically reflects the ways of our Saviour, people can't help but take notice.
When you live like Jesus, people are drawn to Jesus in you.
This doesn't mean we have to achieve moral perfection through our own efforts. That's impossible for any of us! Instead, it's about surrendering control of our lives to the One who is perfect. When we let Jesus take the wheel by developing a close, obedient relationship with Him, His spirit begins remaking us from the inside out.
His perfect love overcomes our selfish tendencies. His boundless joy replaces anxiety and despair. His eternal hope awakens us from spiritual slumber. As His power transforms us, these qualities begin to shine and flow from our beings in an irresistible way. As you worship Jesus with your life, you will be able to honestly say that Christ in you is your hope and glory, and people will believe it because they see the evidence."
Naturally, not everyone will agree with our Jesus-centered outlook and values, even when presented with humility and respect. But they won't be able to find a logical reason to hate you when your life is centered around loving people the way Jesus loved you. If your life is without compromise and devoted to embodying Christ's love, it provides a powerful defense against cynicism and antagonism. It's difficult to reject a person whose sole "agenda" is to treat others with the same compassion they themselves have received from their Lord.
So, wherever you are, remember—you have a call and responsibility to live in a way that shines the light of Jesus' hope into a dark, hurting world. Aim to have "gentleness and respect" towards everyone you encounter. Ask God to help you love others wholeheartedly, just as He first loved you.
When your lifestyle becomes an authentic "act of worship" in this way, it allows Jesus' joy, love, and hope to naturally "penetrate and fill your heart, mind, and relationships." And through your living example, those around you will be drawn towards the transformative power of the One who made you a new creation.
May we all strive to be prepared—prepared to have a reason for the incredible hope within us and prepared to share that hope through our Christ-like conduct. In doing so, we can become beacons, revealing the way to abundant, eternal life in Him.