But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

1 Corinthians 2:14

It is clear to see that we live in a world that is against the standards of God. Over the past 50 years our society has changed greatly. We have seen the introduction of birth control, no-fault divorce laws, gender identity politics, an acceptance of same-sex relationships and alternative lifestyles. We have seen the outlaw of the death penalty for serious crimes, and growing intolerance towards the moral teachings of the Bible. The Scripture verse at the top of the page tells us that those who are not born again will not and cannot understand the things of God, the Bible is foolish to them. They believe that there is no harm or wrong in living according to fleshly desires and passions. Their worldview is based on the things that appeal to them. They see nothing wrong with living in rebellion to God. In fact, they think they are better off without God, and a life lived to the glory of God would bring them only misery and get in the way of progress.

In John 14:17 Jesus said, “that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” As the people of God, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The same Holy Spirit that was with Christ during his time on earth is the same Spirit that dwells within us as children of God. This is why it is important that we let the light of truth shine in our witness to the world. Many times, God will use the testimony of a believer to cause a lost soul to think about the truth of the Gospel. The lost may not see or understand that you are a Christian, but they sure will notice that there is something different about you.

Non-believers are reading us. We are an epistle and read by all that see us (2 Corinthians 3:2). It is not always easy to reflect the truth in our lives. We still live in a fallen body with temptations and ungodly desires. However, we are called to live a holy and righteous life for the glory of God. Let us consider what the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Philippians, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16). The main point that Paul is trying to teach here is that we can only be an effective witness if we live without complaining and disputing. This way our light will shine before men.

Here are some helpful questions to consider in light of what is before us.

1. How do your work colleagues view you?
2. Are you honest, humble, and gracious?
3. Do you often grumble about your situation?
4. Is your witness a reflection of spiritual truths?
5. What are you like in public and private?