The workman is often known by his workmanship. In the words of a famous British philosopher, John Stuart Mill (1806-1873), “ The only proof capable of being given that an object is visible is that people actually see it”. All these go to lend credence to the Bible’s stand on the need to show forth our faith by the fruits of our lives. Paul the apostle in our text today writes to Timothy, the young pastor in the church at Ephesus to encourage him in his responsibilities of overseeing the work of the ministry in that city. He admonished and counseled him to keep and contend for sound doctrines. He posited that the purpose of sound doctrines (or commandment) is to help produce in true believers, love from a pure heart, clear conscience and holy faith (verse 5). These three constitute the proof of genuine conversion and obedience to God. True repentance will reveal itself in manifest conduct. The truly repentant person has a duty to cultivate and show forth fruits consistent with righteousness. It is easy to have remorse for the wrongdoing one has done without the corresponding determination to abstain from sin and forsake every unrighteousness. Neighbors do not see the change that has taken place in our hearts; it is the fruits they see. If truly as believers, we have yielded our lives to Jesus, we ought to prove it by the life we live. The life of the believer ought to reveal his faith through good works and exceptional conduct, such that the attention of other unbelieving people around him are invariably drawn by the godly qualities they have observed in his life. If your life does not portray Christ, you can be spiritually empowered to live the righteous lifestyle through faith in Christ today.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 06:30:43 +0000
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