I just read an
article promoting a new book by the Christian author and entrepreneur Mark Steele entitled
Christianish. In this book, Steele discusses his belief that Christians often put on a false front to outsiders, and fail to let others know how their relationship with Jesus Christ transformed their lives.
Steele urges that although Christ has redeemed us, we should never forget who we used to be. Sharing our stories about the sin, doubt, confusion, or disbelief that once encompassed our lives, and how Jesus "lifted us out" can be an incredibly strong model for those who do not yet know Him as their Savior.
"Christ transforms us, takes us through the rough stuff. But Christ doesn't transform us so we would bury who we used to be, hide it, and somehow put a mask on it," Steele said. "He expects us to allow others to see who we used to be and how he transformed us, so that they can believe they are transformable as well."
He adds that Christians are often too quick to hone in on their own self-righteousness and pointing out the sinful ways of others. According to Steele, Christians often fail to let others know that
they are sinners too, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
"It is only in loving people to Jesus that Jesus and his power [are] able to affect them in a way that they are transformed and they are convicted of their sin and they do want to change," Steele explained. "But for some reason we feel guilty if we don't slam every detail about them that is not living perfection. We feel like we have to call that all out on the carpet before we can love someone to Jesus."
This article led me to re-examine how important it is for us as Christians to share our testimonies with others. I was never really one for sharing with others my personal story of spiritual growth. I never really even thought about my personal journey. I knew that I had come to the point of being firm in my faith, and the
how didn't really matter -- to me at least.
An evangelism class I took for one semester in college called "Becoming a Contagious Christian" challenged me to think otherwise. "Maybe a non-believer has encountered similar things in life that you have," our instructor told us. "Your story could lead others to Christ."
Although I don't have the most life-altering story, a complete 360-degree turn-around moment, I've come to value my testimony more and share it more often than I ever have before. (My initial growth in my faith is best expressed in
this post. Another story I like to share with others about how God has helped me through personal struggles along the way is revealed
here.)
Do you agree with Steele, that we as Christians need to talk to non-believers about how we used to be and how Christ transformed us, instead of constantly honing in on the sinful ways of others? Do you often share your testimony with others, and do you think it has made an impact?
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