“They saw the boldness of Peter and John . . . . And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

My husband is from Texas, and as many of you know, Texans are brought up was a slight tendency towards aggressive driving. Not to pick on Ben too much, because he is honestly one of the most gentle human beings you’ll ever meet, BUT he may or may not have a second personality overcome with road rage we he enters a vehicle. A Mr. Hyde emerges from behind the wheel. This has led us into the “Jesus Fish Bumper Sticker” conversation on many occasions. You know, the one where you ultimately decide you would be a detriment to the cause if others associated Jesus with the way you carry yourself in the car.

Although this is meant to be a funny illustration, I think it really does make us think more seriously about our actions and reactions. Those demonstrations, more than the display of a sticker on our car, show whether we really know Jesus.

Acts 4 tells us that Peter and John faced opposition from local rulers, elders, and scribes as they proclaimed the good news of Christ. But their reaction caused their opponents to start thinking. Even though Peter and John were not highly educated, the people marveled at their bold witness and realized that these two men had been with Jesus. There was no need for a bumper sticker on the apostles’ donkey (although it’s a pretty good mental picture). Their words and actions said it all.

How are you being a witness for God? Are you relying on certain “signs” to let others know where you stand in your faith? If you’ll spend time getting to know Jesus, He will empower you with patience, kindness, gentleness and all the fruits we are called to bear as followers of His name. And the best part — you won’t NEED a bumper sticker to label you as such.