In the USA we have a very rare bird, called the spotted owl. You can identify it by its dark feathers, and unique white “polka-dot” spots on its back and chest.

Likewise, all sinners are recognized by the sin-spots of our sin. Jesus came to remove our sin, and make us “unspotted.” To that end, scripture urges us to protect ourselves from sinful spots:

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 NKJV

Our testimony for Jesus is not just our salvation story from some time ago. It also constitutes our current life and lifestyle.

• Is our lifestyle holy and without blemish?
• Are our daily habits a bad testimony, or good?
• Is our character full of integrity?
• Do we walk in the fear of the Lord?

The answers to these questions help define our current testimony. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or dramatic our salvation story is, if our current life doesn’t match it.

Non-Christian’s see our spiritual hypocrisy immediately. They want to know and see our integrity. They want us to practice what we say we believe. They want to see it lived out.

So, when sin comes knocking on our doors, we must already have a PRE-PLAN of how to resist the devil. We must have already decided to flee youthful lusts, to shut off the social media or TV, or to change the subject.

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” James 1:26 NKJV