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By Mike Caton

John 5:32, There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.

In the rest of this chapter, Jesus is going to tell us about some of the ones who testify for him. To testify means to give evidence for something or for someone. We might testify to the truthfulness of some issue, we might testify to something that we have seen or experienced. We might testify on behalf of a person, stand up for them, vouch for them. When you think about it, you are putting yourself, your reputation on the line for someone else. So, you ought to be pretty sure of what you are saying. We will see who the ones are Jesus speaks about, as these verses play out.

But for now, think about the people and issues you testify on behalf of. If you stand up for someone or something, and it turns out to be not true, or not what you said it was, you will lose credibility. It will cause others to doubt what you say next time. Think about that before you forward that email or text, before you share that post on Facebook. Do you know this to be true? Or does it simply fit what you want to or already believe? Have you investigated this, or are you simply taking that person’s word for it? We can seriously damage our reputation, our standing in the community, and our Christian witness when we spread such false news.

And think too, who is standing up for you? Who are the people who know you the best and what do they say about you? Is your commitment to the Lord evident above all? Or are you more known for your, whatever it is? And there is nothing wrong with being known as a hard worker, a good ball player, a skillful fisherman, and so forth. But those things ought to be secondary to our relationship to the Lord. Think about the example you are setting.

Father, help me be a good witness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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