The Proof is in the Performance

2 Corinthians 6:4
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,”

Several years ago, I was preaching in Canada, and the pastor of the church kept on telling me that he was the best walleye fisherman. I don’t know why he kept bringing it up, but it was as if he wanted to show me how good he was at catching walleyes. Because he talked about it so much, I wanted to see if he really was as good as he said. The next morning, we went fishing for a couple of hours, and it only took a few minutes for him to prove that he was every bit as good at catching walleye fish as he said. He proved his expertise as a walleye fisherman with his actions.

Just like this pastor proved how good he was at catching walleye fish, so the believer proves their worth to the world through their actions more than with their words. I have heard people brag about how good they are in doing things in the ministry, but the proof of how good they are is in the performance. God gives several ways for the believer to prove their testimony in verses 4-10. In each instance, the proof of the believer is not in what they say but in what they do.

First, you prove your testimony through your performance in the bad times. In the verse above, you can see that in the times of afflictions and needs is when the believer proves the value of their faith to others. It is easy to say that God is good when times are going well, but it is in the bad times when the believer proves their real worth. You can say that God is good when your health is good, your family is all serving the LORD, and finances are secure, but when you continue to say that God is good when you are going through the greatest trials of life is what proves your testimony to those to whom you have ministered. The proof of your Christianity is not in what you say about yourself, but in your performance through the tough times of life.

Second, you prove your testimony through your performance of results. In verse 8, God talks about the evil and good report of the believer. Many can talk about what they can do if they had the opportunity, but the proof is in the performance of results when they are given a ministry to build. You can talk about how good of a bus captain, Sunday school teacher, pastor, or even a business person that you are, but the proof is in how well you build these areas when you are given the opportunity to do them. Instead of talking so much about your greatness, let your results do the talking for you.

Third, the performance of your testimony is proven in time. Time is one of the greatest vindicators of all. Time reveals who is right and who is wrong. Time reveals who is a fraud and who is the real deal. Stop talking so much how what you can do, and over time you will find that your faithfulness will prove your worth if you will continue to do what you are supposed to do day in and day out.

Fourth, the performance of your testimony is proven with your attitude. Verse 10 talks about rejoicing in sorrow. My friend, when you can still have a good attitude even when you are going through tough times is when you prove how great your God is to the world. Instead of complaining about how bad you have it, you can do far more for God by rejoicing in spite of the hardships that you face.