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[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.]
“If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
Many Christians have probably heard or seen this question before, but just how often do we, think seriously about it? “Oh, it’s just one of those catchy sounding lines,” you might say. While that may be true to some extent, I believe this question makes a valid point that we all need to consider carefully.
What are we doing that enables others to see Christ living in us? What evidence is there to suggest that we are Christians?
Oh, yes, being a Christian must begin inside, in our hearts; but it can’t stop there. It must flow out of our hearts and into the actions of our lives every day.
Paul said that we are to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord … “(1 Cor. 15:58). The word abound in that passage means to overflow, to exceed, or to have plenty. Does this word describe our work in God’s kingdom?
In Titus 2:7 Paul exhorted Titus “in all things” to show himself “a pattern of good works…” Do we live the kind of lives that are good patterns for others to follow? If everyone followed our example, would they have a hope of salvation?
Jesus commanded us to let our lights so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father in Heaven (Mat. 5:16). Can those around us really see our good works? It needs to be obvious to our families, our friends, and our associates that we are following Christ and His Will implicitly.
So, how do we answer this question? If we were accused of being Christians, would there be enough evidence to convict us? What will the verdict be for us in the day of Judgment? Will there be enough evidence to “convict” us of living faithful Christian lives?’
[Note: Andy McClish wrote this article for, and it was published in The Edifier, weekly bulletin of Pearl Street Church of Christ, Denton, TX, July 31, 1986, of which Dub McClish was editor.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
