Closet Christians--Are You One of Them?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

A businessman gave his heart to Jesus as a result of a Billy Graham evangelistic event. When he told his co-workers, his Christian business partner was elated. But the new believer hadn't known about his faith, and said, "You know, you're one reason I resisted becoming a Christian for several years. I figured that if someone like you could live a good life and not be a Christian, there was no need for me to become one."

A friend of mine and I were doing business in a local bank. He needed to change a $100 bill. By mistake the teller counted out six $20 bills. When my friend discovered the error, he walked back into the bank and quietly told her what had happened. The teller said, "I can't thank you enough. I would have had to make up the difference. Obviously, you are an honest man." He replied, "The reason I am honest is that I'm a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Giving you back the money is something He would want me to do."

Christians should lead exemplary lives, as shown by James 2:26, in which it is postulated that "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." But it's also important that we reveal the Source of strength and life who enables us to be different. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

It's the life behind the words that makes your testimony effective.

**Taken from http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2004/11/22/devotion.aspx.