We are proving this to ourselves. At times when we are wayward and careless, we are in trouble and vexed. At other times we are faithful and trusting and conscientious and seeking to walk in righteousness and stand for him, and then we are blessed, remarkably, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. We live a life responding to his grace.
But then we are also proving – verifying or demonstrating – what is acceptable to them, to outsiders. In Paul’s day the believers were surrounded by polytheists, idolaters, who worshipped gods they did not know. Their feasts were full of disgusting and terrible things, but, he says, you light bearers represent the Lord and demonstrate to them the conduct that is acceptable to him.
They know I go to church, but do I lose control, and failed to come across as righteous kind and sensitive? Young people, are you into things you should not be? Give yourselves a jolt. Husbands, wives, what testimony is it to your children? ‘My mum and dad are so at each other.’ It is an exhortation to us. See your role; leave the darkness behind. Maybe our communion with God has been suspended and our assurance lost because we have not lived for the Lord who ransomed us. This is part of your witness; it opens people to your words of testimony. When you behave with goodness, righteousness and truth, they may hate you for it and be uncomfortable in your presence. They may not give that away, but you have touched a raw nerve.