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Back in the early 2000s, you could spot little yellow bracelets on wrists around the world. The word “Livestrong” stretched across the band as part of a campaign started by cycling champion Lance Armstrong to raise money for cancer research.
Lance was at the top of his sport. Companies wanted him to endorse their products. He was celebrated as proof that hard work, endurance, and determination could overcome even the greatest obstacles.
Until the truth came out.
In 2012, reports revealed that Armstrong had used performance-enhancing drugs throughout much of his cycling career. Shockwaves rippled across the sports world. The champion people admired had built his success on deception. He was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, banned from competitive cycling, and many of his endorsements disappeared almost overnight.
The truth was, Lance wasn’t living up to the image he was portraying. The speeches about perseverance and hard work suddenly rang hollow because his life didn’t match his message.
As Christians, that should cause us to stop and ask an important question.
Does my life match what I say I believe?
Would someone who doesn’t know Jesus see something different in me? Would they recognize that Christ has truly transformed my life?
> **Colossians 4:5**
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> *”Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”*
Paul is reminding us that the people around us are watching. Every conversation, every reaction, every decision is an opportunity to point someone toward Christ—or away from Him.
Live wisely so that those who don’t know Jesus will see the difference that only He can make. Make the most of every opportunity God gives you to represent Him well.
If Christ has truly transformed us, our lives should reflect it. We should be walking testimonies of God’s goodness, faithfulness, grace, and love. Our words should agree with our actions, and our actions should reinforce our words.
How do we live wisely?
Not by trying harder.
By walking closely with Jesus.
As we spend time in His Word, pray faithfully, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and faithfully serve within a local church, He continues to shape us into His image. Over time, people won’t simply hear that we belong to Christ—they’ll begin to see it.
If the truth came out about your life today, would it point people to Jesus?
May we be the real deal, living lives that honor Christ and faithfully reflect the One we claim to follow.
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