How do we decide who to take seriously? We live in a culture that measures value by size of following. Jesus looked elsewhere.

“If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. (John 5:31-32NIV)

The famous depend upon projecting an image to increase following. Jesus despised such approaches. He looked to only one human testimony – John the Baptist.

 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. (John 5:35-36NIV)

Jesus then points to three factors that make up a testimony worth listening to-

• A shining lamp – a life that shines out with integrity and godliness.
• Teachings – Jesus’ teachings were different in that they had both a depth of insight and a simplicity about them that pointed to someone who knew God.
• Miracles – Left in the wake of Jesus’ ministry were many transformed lives. There were people who were transformed through healing from sickness, and people who were transformed from selfishness.

Are we willing to quietly step back and look at the people who influence us with a discerning eye? Are we willing to invite God to work on us so that He could make us such people?