A Testimony is a solemn attestation (to provide or serve as clear evidence of/ to declare that something exists or is the case) as to the truth of a matter. To give a testimony is to testify. Both words "testimony" and "testify" come from the root Latin word, "testis," which means "witness." When we give our testimony, in law or in Christ, it is supposed to be well thought out and truthful. It is our duty as Christians to be willing to give our testimonies. Why? Because it has power.
In Mark 5:19, Jesus told a man to "go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you." In 1 John 5:10, it says, "whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe in God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning His Son." We all have a testimony if we have been saved. Some people have long elaborate testimonies while others have short simple testimonies. We must remember that it does not matter how long or deep our testimony is, but that it is the truth and that God has victory.
I have heard many times of people wanting to have a more exciting testimony after hearing one about a recovered alcoholic and drug addict or a testimony involving miracles. We must not think this way, because both sides have their ups and downs. Those who have the "exciting" testimonies had to go through pain and torture and a life without Christ. They get to appreciate Him as their savior, but remember the pain they had to go through. As for those with "calmer" testimonies, they have not been the better Christian just because they have been a Christian longer or because they got it faster. All testimonies are equal in God's eyes. He does not love you less because it took you longer to come to Him or because your testimony did not make people fall out of their chairs. The testimony is truth, and that is what God cares about.
Look at Psalms 107:1-2. "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble." Let us give our testimonies out of thanksgiving to God. Let our testimonies be worship and sweet to God's ears. Let us not be ashamed of our testimonies, for God was not ashamed of us. Our testimonies have power! Revelation 12:11 says, "and they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." It is our testimonies that have power.
I am not saying go out and shout your testimony, though I am not against you if that is what the Holy Spirit has put on your heart to do. What I am saying is that we must be ready to share our story at any time. It is our testimony that brings God to light for those who live in darkness. We must be willing to share and back up our testimony by our new life style. Let the love of Christ be the proof that we have been changed.
-D
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