What Evidence is There to Indicate You are a Christian?

When I listen to Tony Dungy and the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay give credit to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after yesterday’s Super Bowl win, there is little question that their faith is an important part of their life.  When Lovie Smith was interviewed time after time he referred to his Christian faith as part of what has made the difference in his life.  When I hear golfer Aaron Baddeley interviewed after winning his second tour event, there is no question that Christ is part of what makes his life whole and meaningful.  All of these men could walk a quiet witness and let their faith be seen and not heard but the truth is that all of these men also try to match up their walk with their talk and do both.

If you were indicted by the court of public opinion in your personal domain, what evidence could be presented that would convince others that you are a Christian?  Do you talk about your faith journey or share with others who are concerned about their journey?  Does your work ethic and attitude make people think that you are walking as Jesus would have walked?  Do you often have a chance to pray for others who are hurting or in need of prayer?  Can people see Jesus in your life when things are going badly and events hit you that are tragic, frustrating, or maddening?

I certainly understand if you are like me and find too many negative responses to these questions.  One of the disciples, named Peter, also had this problem when Jesus was taken captive by his enemies.  In Mark 14:66-72, you can find how Peter would not own up to his association with Jesus:

… a servant noticed Peter hanging out in the courtyard outside where Jesus was arrested and said to him, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus!”   Peter denied knowing Jesus and walked to another part of the courtyard.

… again one of the servants noticed Peter and said “this man is one of them!”  Peter again said, “No, I am not associated with Jesus because he was afraid they would arrest him as well.”

… soon a whole group of people noticed that Peter looked like he was part of Jesus group as they said, “Surely you are one of them because you are surely a Galilean.”  Peter yelled at them that they didn’t know what they were talking about and he screamed again that he did not know the man they were talking about.

Yea, it is not too hard to understand why we don’t want to get accused of being a follower of Jesus when it might hurt our career or get us thrown in jail.  Actually, we only risk embarrassment in our world; there are many countries around the world where the risks are higher.  “For whoever is ashamed of me (Jesus) and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father”.

Thanks for all of you who are out there standing up for your faith!   YOU ARE MY HEROES!

Sent February 5, 2007

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