Not too long ago I was talking with someone who recently became a believer. He made the decision to trust Jesus as his Savior and to be “all in.” What an absolutely amazing experience to just be part of the conversation. What I didn’t realize was going to happen was that I was going to find myself as part of his journey.
There was a comment he made in the conversation that was probably insignificant to him, but was very significant to me and should be to all followers of Christ as a reminder.
Long story short, he mentioned that there was a moment where Christianity seemed to be attractive to him through a conversation we had so he made a decision right then and there – to watch me. He decided that he was going to watch me, my life, and how I interacted with others.
I don’t think he’s alone in this. In fact, I think there are more people out there who don’t yet believe in Jesus who are watching His Church. They may not attend the Church you go to and you may not hang out with them all the time, but make no mistake…people are watching.
Think about what you did before you became a believer. Were you ever skeptical of a Church that you were visiting? Did you ever question those “Christians” that were around you to see if they were legit in what they believed? I don’t know your story, but I believe there was a point in your life where something about Jesus was attractive to you and from that point on, you started watching.
Here are 3 things to remember as followers of Christ when it comes to people watching us:
The Gospel Is Powerful In Action
We need to share the Gospel with others. That’s a fact. People can’t just watch a believer and understand their own sin and their need for a Savior. They can’t understand who Jesus is and what He did for them if they only observe a Christian.
“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” – Romans 10:14
However, as we share the Gospel, it’s important to actually live out what we’re proclaiming. There’s nothing worse than someone who claims to be a follower of Christ, and lives in a way where you would never know such a claim. Not only is it not loving towards others, but it puts a bad taste of Christianity or the Church in someone’s mouth. If people are watching and that’s what they’re seeing, chances are “Christians,” “Jesus Followers,” and/or the “Church” are no longer of interest to them.
Your Testimony Relates With Others
Your story is extremely effective. It’s unique and everyone’s experience of how they came into a relationship with Christ is different.
Maybe you grew up in the Church? Maybe you grew up around drugs and alcohol? Perhaps you were abandoned at one point in your life or maybe you were raised in a Christian home with a family full of believers. Regardless of your background, your testimony of how Christ has impacted your life is powerful.
You can use your story and your past to love and serve others perhaps in the same areas you were before becoming a believer. Not only will you be able to be authentic with them and understand what they are going through, but you can let them watch your life as a living example to your new identity.
As people continue to watch you and hear your story, you can show them day in and day out what it means to follow Christ and the fullness of joy that He gives you each and every day.
You Don’t Have To Be Perfect
We’re all messed up people. That’s pretty evident if you just look around in our world and see how we treat one another. However, since we all fall short, there’s a great opportunity with this.
Authenticity is attractive. As people watch you make mistakes and see that even a follower of Christ is “normal” in their opinion, that’s a good thing. It destroys the rumor that Christians have it all together and are perfect. The more people can see us make mistakes, ask forgiveness, and repent of our ways…the better.
Don’t be discouraged when you fall short in front of others, but rather see it as an opportunity to show them your need for Christ whether you just became a follower of Jesus, or have been one for over 50 years.
Believer, someone is watching you. The way you live out your life, the words you speak, what you do when you think no one sees you…they all matter. I’d like to encourage you (and I need it myself every day too) to think through the opportunities you have with people around you to share the Gospel with, and to show the love of Christ to. There’s no doubt that people are watching all of us and instead of us being nervous about our performance, let’s embrace them and show them the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Question: Have you ever noticed someone watching your life to see how you live as a follower of Christ? Please join the conversation by commenting below.
Hello, I have been dealing with people watching my life for a few months now. At first I was concerned and confused as to why God allowed it to happen, because the individuals installed Spyware onto my electronics to view my screen, desktop, and to intercept what I was doing online. I came to the realization that God allowed them to do this because it resulted in them seeing Biblical content when I open the Bible app, listen to worship music, and when I watch Church Sermons. While their intentions were likely not to hack into my devices to see… Read more »
Hey Austin!
Thanks for reading and for sharing.
I’m always encouraged by people witnessing our genuine walks with The Lord because I think it speaks volumes to them. Sorry you that computer stuff installed but pretty awesome what God did there!!
Thanks again for reading and for sharing!
Praise the Lord brother Mike! Thank you for sharing Godly wisdom. I’d say my family have watched me the closest over the years. Being the oldest of six, my brother and sisters have seen the ‘me before Christ’ and the ‘me, now in Christ’ and I am cautious that my lifestyle in itself should be preaching the gospel. When I speak and counsel them when the need arises my testimony carries more weight because I am ‘walking the talk’ and not living the life of a hypocrite who claims to be a Christian but whose fruit is as rotten as… Read more »
Thanks man! Family is definitely a huge example of people that are watching you in terms of seeing how you live your life as a follower of Christ. Thanks so much for sharing!