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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