Even though St. Francis of Assisi lived 800 years ago, he still has an impact on the lives and imaginations of people today. His biggest impact was due to the example of his life. He had a radical encounter with Jesus Christ which changed his life. Amidst the stories are also the lines he is known for. Here is one: Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words. What do you think of that statement? I love it, hate it and it makes me nervous.

First, let me tell you why I hate it. I am tempted to use it as an excuse for not using words to share the gospel. I hope others will see Jesus in my life so clearly that I won’t have to confront a sinner with the gospel. But the Bible says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. There are times when it is appropriate and even necessary to speak. In fairness to Frances, he did say to use words when necessary.

Here is why I love Francis’s saying (as well as why it makes me nervous). It is a reminder that my life is an example of what happens when the Holy Spirit changes a heart. My words are just words unless they are backed up with power. The power of a life changed by Jesus demonstrates the truth of the gospel. The Bible tells us: In everything you do, whether in word or in deed, do all to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is how you preach the gospel without words. That is what Francis’s saying means. Sometimes you will preach the gospel with words, but at all times it should be shining through your life. Being a follower of Jesus is a 24/7 proposition.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Jesus is saying that our lives are to present the gospel so others would see and believe. We are to let our light shine. We were given a new life in Christ in order that we would live it. The light is the evidence of the new life; it is the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the light of men (John 1:4) who came to shine on the darkness of sin in the world. Jesus says we are the light of the world. We are to shine his light so the world will see it and praise the Father in heaven. If you believe in Christ, then his light is in you and will come out so the world can see that the gospel is true.

Notice that Jesus does not say, "Try to be the light of the world." Jesus does not say, "You ought to be the light of the world." He says, "You are the light of the world." If you are a Christian, it is written all over you. This is not a command to try to live as though your life has been changed. It is not a call to try harder to look and act like Jesus. If you have been born again, then God has changed your heart and is in the process of changing it more and more. This is a call to be who you are in Christ. It is a reminder of who you are in Christ.

People need to see that the gospel really works. That’s where you come in. They need to see it at work in you: your words, your love, your actions, your choices, your life. Realizing that should inspire you to walk in the Spirit. Jesus is in you. He is there in your conversations. He is there in your thoughts. When you realize that, you will act in a way that his light will shine through you.

As a Christian, your life will—not should, but will—be different, because Jesus is in you. The Light of the world is in you. What if you look at your life and there is no difference between you and your worldliest friends? Then look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. The light comes from Jesus. The power comes from Jesus. New life comes from Jesus.