Who is our testimony for?

The “oh so small” book of Philemon (1 chapter) is actually a letter written from Paul to Philemon. The letter is mostly about a slave and friend name Onesimus. Paul also thanks Philemon for his work in the faith and church. As I read the passage, verses 4-7 stand out to me more than the others.

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing that we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. –Philemon 1:4-7

Did you catch that??? Let’s read verse 6 again.  “I pray that YOU may be active in sharing YOUR faith, so that YOU will have a full understanding of every good thing that we have in Christ.” Our testimony isn’t just for the benefit of someone else. Our testimony is for ourselves! Our testimony is for OUR OWN benefit.

As I thought about what to say in this post, I started looking for the picture to go with it. When I found the one below, it wasn’t exactly what I was going for. It’s kind of corny. 

…but then again, I am corny.  So why not??

“A testimony is like a kiss… it has to be shared to be enjoyed.” -Seriously, doesn’t that picture in some ways just go right with that verse?

I can think about kissing my kids, my husband and all of you sweet little friends of mine. I just LOVE to grab both sides of your face, sniff your ear and nuzzle your hair. Then BAM plant a big hard kiss right on you. I might even chew on your face a little. Most of you fellas have missed out on this for the obvious 6’1 reason in my life. However, there are a lot of ladies that know what I am talking about and certainly my kids can confirm it.

I can be a total goofball. I am affectionate and personal. -Sometimes in your space and even a little creepy about it. You might feel awkward about my gushiness but it does MY OWN heart so much good to share my love for you, with you! I might get a chuckle or even some joy just out of the simple thought of doing so, but NOTHING compares to the satisfaction of actually doing it!

Our testimony is so much the same way! The bible repeatedly talks about the power of our words. Not just the power and life within them but Proverbs 16:24 says Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

HEALTH to the body. Isn’t that like fullness? –Therefore our “Full understanding”? To gain knowledge from his word. To experience the conviction and freedom from it.  To meditate on it. To apply it. Then to appreciate it’s transforming power. Not just to be thankful but to release that appreciation back into his earth!

I started sharing my own testimony last year.  The more that I have done so, the more that it just makes my heart burst open to God. Like a kiss, our testimony is personal. It comes in different forms and lengths. Sometimes it's awkward and it's not always received as sweetly by everyone. With practice, the words will become easier to share.

Concentration on all that he has done and is doing, makes the desire grow within. Not only to speak on the Lord's behalf but to also look for more reasons to do so. A testimony is an expression of love and one of gratitude. One that will satisfy your own heart, more than any other, to give. What a kiss to give unto the Lord!