On Holy Living

“How will we ever make the good news about God as Savior beautiful in every respect if we don’t look like we’ve been saved?When we live in obedience to God, that in itself will be a testimony against wrong.  When those around us see us helping rather than exploiting, hear us talking with purity instead of profanity, and observe us speaking truthfully rather than deceitfully, our example will itself be a rebuke of selfishness, unwholesome talk, and falsehood.  Simply refusing to participate in a dishonest business or social practice will sometimes be such a strong rebuke that it costs us our job or friendship.  Dishonesty is terribly uncomfortable in the presence of honesty, even when there is no verbal or other direct opposition.    

 

Often, of course, open rebuke is necessary.  Silent testimony will go only so far.  Failure to speak out against and to oppose evil things in practical ways is a failure to obey God.  Believers are to expose them in whatever legitimate, biblical ways are necessary.    

 

Unfortunately, many Christians are barely able to keep their own spiritual and moral houses in order.  Thus they lack the discernment, inclination, or power to confront evil in the church or in society at large.  That’s why it is imperative that we be so mature in biblical truth, and in obedience, holiness, and love, that the natural course of our lives will be to expose, rebuke, and offer remedy for every kind of evil.”  

 

(From “A Case For Holy Living,” by John MacArthur)