How can we ensure our actions communicate Christ's message clearly to all? Reading the Sign Clearly (John 19:20) “Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek.” • Pilate’s placard declared Jesus as “King of the Jews” in the three major tongues of the day. • Scripture records this detail to show that the message about Christ was made accessible to everyone within range of Calvary. • The crucifixion itself, foretold and fulfilled exactly as written, stands as a public, unmistakable proclamation of God’s redemptive plan. Why Clarity Matters • Matthew 5:16—“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Actions either illuminate or obscure the gospel. • 2 Corinthians 5:20—“We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” Ambassadors do not muddle the King’s message. • John 13:35—“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Love, when visible, translates truth into every cultural language. Living Multilingual Lives Like the trilingual sign, believers communicate Christ across varied “languages” of daily life: 1. Language of Integrity • Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Consistency between belief and behavior prevents mixed signals. 2. Language of Compassion • 1 John 3:18—“Let us love not in word and speech but in action and truth.” • Tangible care crosses social, economic, and generational borders. 3. Language of Adaptability • 1 Corinthians 9:22—“I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some.” • Flexibility in style, without compromise in substance, keeps the gospel clear in every context. Guarding the Message in Our Conduct • Avoid hypocrisy; nothing blurs Christ’s message faster than double living (Romans 2:24). • Pursue holiness; set-apart living underscores the power of grace (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Practice humility; servant-heartedness reflects the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). • Speak truth with grace; words filled with both conviction and kindness mirror Jesus (John 1:14). Walking Points • Review upcoming commitments and align them with the gospel so that every setting—home, work, community—receives an undiluted witness. • Seek feedback from trusted believers on any habits that may cloud the clarity of your testimony; invite accountability and correction. • Intentionally serve across cultural or generational lines, demonstrating the universality of Christ’s love in action. |
    |