A Godly Example Gives God the Glory!

“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 2 And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not. 3 And when the queen of Shebahad seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 4 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. 5 And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: 6 Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard. 7 Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. 8 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.” II Chronicles 9:1-8

When the queen of Sheba heard about King Solomon, his riches, how God blessed him, and many other things, she could not believe what she heard.  Suspecting that the tales may had been exaggerated or gossip, she did the wise thing. She went to see for herself.

There she spoke with the king.  Perhaps, she asked some difficult questions.   His extraordinary answers were wiser than any she had ever heard.  There was something about him that she had never seen or heard before in anyone.

She also noted Solomon’s house and lands. The queen saw how their dining fare were bountiful for all, how all were dressed well, how the people were content and happy, and how the king served his God.

The queen of Sheba saw for herself that the King’s testimony was true and accurate and even more so.  She soon realized that Solomon’s God was real, not like the pagan, false gods with which she was familiar.  It was clear that there was a supernatural intervention in the land, enabling the nation’s leader to be so successful.

As did the queen, people often watch closely to those that claim they have a relationship with God.  They know that if their connection with Him is real that there should be great differences in their lives, behaviors, habits, and worship.

A Christian’s testimony and life are in constant examination by those that are curious and may be seeking a real relationship with the only God. Like the Queen of Sheba, outsiders know a Christian’s life should be different. They expect to see joy, good character, trust, and faithfulness to God.

For today’s Christians, there are also eyes observing their testimony. Perhaps a unsaved mailman recognized from the mail that he was delivering, that you are involved in Christianity.  As he passes by your house, he observes you yelling out your wife.  Another “phony” he discerns and drives on by.

Maybe fellow workers have heard of your claims of going to church, but also shake their heads in disappointment after a display of your unchristian anger. Even your children have heard of your claims of being Christian but have heard your constant excuses for not going to church.  We are being observed by eyes looking for an example that lives up to being what they think a Christian should be.  We would be shocked if we knew all the eyes that are observing us.

Granted a non-Christian’s judgments are not always accurate, but most have a general idea that there should be something different in a Christian’s beliefs and behavior. Sometimes unsaved people have a better idea how a Christian should act, behave, handle their problems, dress, and obey their God, than the saved. They know that the Christian should be and live differently.  When they see wrong living and behavior in weak, carnal Christians, they chalk it up to another person that claims they know God, but from what they see is not much different than they are or the rest of the world.

Most outsiders will never read the Word of God for themselves.  Many will not darken a church with their presence.  However, all have an innate feeling that there is a God (at least sometime in their life), and they are looking for an example to quell their doubts that there is no God.

Their eyes are on us, Christian.  What are they seeing when they observe your life?  Are you a testimony to the fact that there is a living God and He is working and directing in your life?  The queen of Sheba saw it King Solomon’s life.  Are they seeing it also in yours?