tommyTALK
Pimping Your Testimony

       I love to hear how people became Jesus-followers.  Everyone’s got a story, and usually there are a lot of people and providential circumstances God uses to bring us along until we get surprised by grace, wave the white flag of surrender, and give it all up to Jesus.  Amusing, as well, is how self-deprecating Christ-followers can be when it comes to their personal story of faith.
     “So, Flavius, tell me how you surrendered your life to Christ.” “Well, Pastor Corker, uh, I really don’t have a very good testimony.  I mean, it’s not very exciting.” “Whaddya mean, Flave?” “I mean I never really did anything bad like prostitute myself out, take drugs, or steal candy at the Cracker Barrell.  My testimony is really pretty boring.” 
     Why do Christ-followers miss out on the glory of the work of the resurrected Christ within their own lives?  Every person redeemed by the blood of Christ is a trophy of grace.  The fact that the holy God of the universe sent His Holy Spirit to convict your heart of your sin and your need for forgiveness through His Son is nothing less than a glorious miracle. Nevertheless, many church-folk feel the need to pimp their testimonies.  As if the radical work of God’s grace, and the sustaining transformational work of the Spirit is not enough! 
     Itinerant evangelist Brennan Manning tells the story of a ninety-two year old priest who was highly respected in his town for his devoted life of holy living.  He was also a member of the Rotary Club.  Whenever the club would meet, he was always there, same spot and always on time.  One day he disappeared, and the whole town looked for him for thirty days.  At the next Rotary Club meeting, he mysteriously appeared in his regular seat.  
     “Father,” everyone cried, “where have you been?” “I just served a thirty-day sentence in prison.” “In prison,” they cried.  “Father, you couldn’t hurt a fly.  What happened?” “It’s a long story,” said the priest, “but briefly, this is what happened.  I bought myself a ticket to go into the city.  I was standing on the platform waiting for the train to arrive when this stunningly beautiful girl appears on the arm of a policeman.  She looked at me, turned to the cop and said, ‘He did it. I’m certain he’s the one who did it.’  Well, to tell you the truth, I was so flattered I pleaded guilty.”
     It’s true I think that the most marginalized people in the world are truly the most thankful when it comes to giving God His due of thanksgiving.  But we all can be thankful.  God raised up some of us out of the miry clay. God rescued some of us from the devil’s strongholds and bondage.  The dangerous pits that God lifted some out of are the dangerous pits that God guarded others from experiencing because of His providential grace.  
     Paul wrote to the Colossians, “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:27-29 NIV).  The great miracle of salvation is that God has chosen to place the presence of His very own Son not beside you, not around you, but within you!  There’s nothing you can add to your testimony to make it any better.

Category : Tommy Talk