Igna de Suárez

The decisive opinion about our lives is not that of people, but that of God. Living preoccupied with what others will say leads us to project an outward persona; character, by contrast, reveals who we truly are. Heaven called Abraham a friend of God, trusted that he would instruct the generations after him, and acknowledged his reverent fear. God said of Job that he was upright, blameless, and one who turned away from evil; even when he lost everything, he worshiped and maintained his trust in his Redeemer. In Nathanael, God highlighted the absence of deceit, an example of a life consistent in belief, speech, and action. And of the Son, he declared his love and delight. We too should seek an intimate relationship with God, raise our children in his way, remain faithful through trials, and live as true Christians at home, at work, and in society. It is not about making a good religious impression, but about walking in integrity, obedience, and the fear of God, so that our conduct may please his heart and honor his name.

Jesus could not remain hidden, and those of us who have experienced that He is real cannot keep Him hidden either. This is not about emotionalism or religion, but about a life transformed by genuine conviction. The Father revealed the Son to the crowds, to Peter, and to Paul, and He continues to make Him known through creation, all of Scripture, and works of power. These works must not exalt the minister: glory, honor, and praise belong to Christ alone.

We can hinder that revelation when, like Peter before Pentecost, we deny Him out of fear. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak boldly about what we have seen and heard. We reveal Jesus both through simple, passionate words and through our daily conduct. At home, at work, while traveling, or in any encounter, our lives should be an open book displaying His love and transforming power. Every person who crosses our path is an opportunity to share Him. Rising above fear, we must make Him known in season and out of season, so that others may receive the life, fellowship, and joy found in Him.

We gratefully remember Toñita’s legacy: a holy life, devoted to the Lord and rooted daily in the Word until the age of 91. Her example introduces the call of Nehemiah 8: after the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, the people still needed inner restoration. Therefore, they all cried out together for the Book to be brought, listened attentively, and received clear instruction.

We must approach the Word with prepared hearts, delve deeply into it, obey it, and then teach it from the foundation of a consistent life. Scripture—not the preacher’s personality—must be central. When it is understood, it produces brokenness and repentance, worship, joy, obedience, separation from sin, and sincere confession. It is not enough to listen to sermons or keep notes: we must apply and live out what we receive each day.

The Christian life is a race that we must run with discipline, direction, and our eyes fixed on Jesus, seeking to fulfill His calling completely and finish well. Living with no reserves means surrendering every area of our lives to God, without allowing possessions, relationships, desires, character, or the flesh to possess us and prevent us from serving Him freely. Living with no retreat means pressing on toward the goal without looking back, even when trials, struggles, and temptations come. Living with no regrets means keeping the faith to the end so that our lives leave a legacy of integrity for the generations that follow. It is not enough to begin with enthusiasm or display spiritual gifts: we need depth, holiness, self-control, and perseverance. Paul, Samuel, Elisha, William Burten, and Antonia demonstrate a devotion that impacts others. Therefore, we must surrender the keys to every locked room, break with sin, and strive to be faithful examples. God calls us to surrender everything, always move forward, and finish the race able to say that we fought the good fight and kept the faith.