10250 North Freeway @ West Road
Houston, Texas 77037
Tel: (281) 447-8484
Pastor: Dr. Lester Hutson

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According to The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary the primary definition of testimony is that it is 'a solemn declaration made by a witness under oath esp. in a court.' The secondary and tertiary definitions are that it is 'evidence based on observation or knowledge' and 'an outward sign.' Basically, a testimony is what someone knows of something, some event or some person. For our purposes let's concentrate on the people aspect.

On a regular basis we make decisions about people based on their testimony: what we've heard of them or what we know first hand of them. Here are a few examples.

During election times we review what we know about the candidates to determine whether or not we will vote for them. If the candidate is an incumbent or has held a similar office then their voting record or their stand on the issues that are important to us will be a matter of record. If they are new to the position then we will have to rely on what they tell us and what applicable personal history is available. In either case what they say and what they do give testimony to what they believe in. If that testimony is agreeable to us we will vote for that candidate.

When we need skilled work to be done on our homes or our cars we will research prospective professionals with the appropriate qualifications and work history to determine which one we will hire. A testimony of that professional's handiwork from a friend or acquaintance carries much weight in our decision.

When we need to see a doctor or dentist we poll our acquaintances to get a recommendation for which one to see. First hand information usually helps seal our decision but sometimes further research into their background and qualifications is necessary.

However, just as we evaluate what we know of others we too are subject to the same scrutiny. For example:

When we apply for a loan we must give a written account of our financial status and bill paying history. In most cases the lender will also review our financial responsibility history by using a credit reporting agency. Almost every institution we owe money to will report any financial negligence on our part relative to the loan we have with them: late payments, defaults, foreclosures. Our credit history, then, is a testimony of our financial responsibility. Buying a home, car or getting a credit card is almost impossible with a poor credit testimony.

When we apply for work most prospective employers will review our education and work history to determine hireability. A resume is usually the tool we use to give this type of information. If the employer likes what they see in our resume they will schedule an interview so that they can evaluate our appearance, our communication skills and get more specific information about our skills. Our work and education history gives testimony to the type of employee we have been. A work testimony which shows dependability, being on time for work and the appropriate skills will usually result in getting the position. However, It is very rare to find an employer who will hire someone who has a poor work testimony.

A person's reputation or past history is essential to success in life. If they have a history of being reliable, honest, responsible and trustworthy (just to mention a few positive traits) then their chances of getting a good job, securing a loan, being promoted, having others believe what they say are much better than the person with a history of dishonesty, irresponsibility, unreliability, etc.

However, people also pass judgement on others based on other factors besides their reputation. Appearance, language and how they act also play an important part in forming an opinion of a person's character. We are more likely to accept the word of a well dressed, civil speaking, responsible acting person than we are someone who is irresponsible, or who does not take care of their appearance or who uses abusive and derogatory language.

So, we could sum up what a person's testimony is by saying that it is comprised of their reputation, appearance, language and actions. We could also say that a person's testimony is what others use to form an opinion of that person's trustworthiness, reliability and dependability. For a Christian who is supposed to represent Christ a good testimony is of utmost importance.

The Son of God told His disciples (and any future disciple of His) to 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven' (Matthew 5:16). The apostle Paul tells us that 'we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them' (Ephesians 2:10). He also adds that our behavior (he uses the word 'anastrophe' which means behavior but translated into English as 'conversation') should be 'as it becometh the gospel of Christ' (Philippians 1:27).

As Christians we should do our utmost to present a good testimony to the world. We are the only example the unsaved world has of who Christ was and what He stood for. If we want to be an effective witness for Christ then we must be believable, trustworthy and dependable. We should present ourselves in such a manner that others would be drawn to God and to His Word. We should be as Peter said a Christian should be, 'holy in all manner of conversation (behavior); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy' (1 Peter 1:15-16).

SUMMARY:

Testimony is what others see in us. It is made up of our reputation, our appearance, our actions and our language. It tells others whether or not we are believable, trustworthy or dependable. It is the outward expression of who we are on the inside. Just as Solomon, the wisest man to ever live said of man, 'for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he' (Proverbs 23:7).

NEXT LESSON:

What does God's Word tells us our testimony should be? What does it say the effect our testimony should have on others should be? Join me in the next lesson where we will begin answering these questions.

"It Does Make a Difference What You Believe"