Many years ago, Dr. Bill Rice traveled and preached as an evangelist before founding a ministry geared to reaching deaf people with the gospel.

He told a story that once he was riding a city bus through a town where he was holding a revival.

When he paid his fare, the driver gave him back too much change. He pointed it out, returning the extra money.

The driver responded, “I knew I gave you too much. I heard you preach last night and wanted to see if you were for real.”

Every day we are being watched by those around us. Most of the time we are not even aware of who is looking. But our testimony — for good or for bad — has a powerful impact.

In fact, as the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.”

When our lives match what our words say, there is a confirmation that shows people we are for real.

The fact that there are hypocrites in the church is a poor excuse for people not going to church, but it is also a tragedy for our failings in daily life to be used by Satan to keep others away from the gospel.

For more details or help answering questions, call the church at 765-778-2000 or email [email protected].

Hargis is senior pastor at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Pendleton.