Holy Witness

Philippians 1:8 “For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.” 
 
HAVE you ever said or heard someone say, “As God is my witness.” For example, one accused of a lie may say,
“As God is my witness, I am telling the truth!” That, my friends, is spoken to be a convincing statement, isn’t’ it? To live and speak under God’s ever-watching eye must be a fearful thing. Knowing the Holy God is your witness must awaken you to a great responsibility to be true in all matters.
    The Apostle Paul wrote to convince Philippi he loved them as Jesus does. He is convinced of his love for Philippi. He is convinced of Jesus’ love for His church. And Paul is convinced that the church in Philippi needs to be repeatedly affirmed that Paul and Jesus really do love them.
    As Paul wrote, “God is my witness.” he was not merely speaking as someone who wanted to convince his wife of his love or an accuser of his innocence. He knew with such a claim that God would judge any deception. After all, our all-knowing God constantly witnesses our actions and words. Our sin confessions do not surprise him. They honor him. We respect his watchful holiness and understand his love requires full obedience.
    Remember, God is the eternal One of whom David wrote in Psalms 2:12 “His wrath is quickly kindled”. Every man of God knows that the Lord will judge sin in His wrath. Thus, Paul wrote, “God is my witness.” with respect, fear and love for the Lord’s truth. He knew God would surely punish any lie he spoke.
    Can you imagine saying, “For God is my witness.” and then you tell a lie? Did you reply, “No, I wouldn’t lie in God’s name?” Really? I urge you to consider then how you live out your faith in God each day. Do you say to the world, “I’m a Christian.” and speak of doing well while your heart has no desire to be as Christ? Be careful how you speak. Be committed with the ways you act. The Holy God is a witness to your life.
 
Joy Link: “Christian” is being a true witness of Christ, who is an eternal witness to your life.