A skeptic said to a Christian one day, “Why, you have nothing at all to rest upon. I can prove to you that your Scriptures are not authentic.” The humble Christian man replied, “Sir, I am not a learned man, and I cannot answer your questions; but I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I have experienced such a change of character, and I feel such joy and peace through believing, that I wish you knew my Savior, too.” The answer he received was a very unexpected one: the unbeliever said, “You have got me there; I cannot answer that.”

—Story relayed by C.H. Spurgeon

I am often reminded of the saying “You cannot argue with a changed life.”

Has your life been changed by the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Oftentimes, those we encounter will not come to a Bible study, read a recommended Christian book, or partake in a theological conversation, but what they will do is listen to you tell your story.

We all have a story. Some are dramatic and weighty; others are simple and clear. The truth is, you have been transformed by Christ, which makes your story mighty and influential. Romans 8:11 says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” That is power!

So how do we do it? How do we share our redemptive story with clarity and effectiveness? First and foremost, before you begin, ask yourself this: Whom does your testimony make look great—you or Jesus? “As the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.’ When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them'” (2 Corinthians 10:17–18).

So…

  1. Remember to glorify the Savior by proclaiming His salvation.
  2. Share your life before Christ without glorifying your past. Be brief but specific. Talk about what was lacking in your life.
    • Lack of peace
    • Lack of security
    • Lack of purpose
  3. Share the turn of events that led you to Christ.
    • Be specific in the steps you took to become a Christian. Who, What, When, and Where?
    • This is the place in your testimony that you will share the gospel message. Use Scripture (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, 1 John 1:9, John 3:16).
  4. Share the work that Christ is doing and has done in your life. Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
    • Share about your restoration and healing.
    • Share about your new life in Christ, in contrast to your life before Christ (Jeremiah 29:11, John 3:36, 1 John 1:9, Romans 6:23).

Your testimony can be one of the most powerful tools in being a bridge to those seeking truth and change. I encourage you today to think and pray about how the Lord would have you prepare and implement your personal testimony in a society who desperately needs truth and to a generation who is desperately trying to find it.