During my time as student and while in a class on personal evangelism, the professor talked about the importance of living ours lives in such a way, as Jesus commanded, that invited questions from the unsaved. Of course everyone agreed, but a classmate pointed out that some of the laziest people in his place of work were Christians. It got me thinking:
– Why is it that some of the most miserable and stressed out people are Christians?
– Why is it that some of the most sarcastic and rudest people are Christians?
– Why is it that some of the people who worry the most are Christians?
– Why is it that some Christians are some of the unfriendliest people?
– Why is it that some Christians are among those most insecure?
– Why is it that some Christians are among those most unforgiving?
– Why is it that some Christians are among the most arrogant?
– Why is it that some Christians have the worst work ethic?
– Why is it that some of the people most likely to make excuses for what they do are Christians?
Why?
Have you ever been cut-off on the roadways by someone with a “Smile, Jesus Loves U” bumper sticker on their car? Makes you wonder, huh? Putting everything together, is this really how some of us “advertise” Jesus?
Just maybe these are some of the reason the world seems so indifferent, and in some ways hostile, to those who say they are Christians? My professor said then that whenever someone asked him if he was a Christian, he replied, “I’m a follower of Jesus Christ”. Quite the commentary, huh? Jesus’ instructions to His disciples is as true now as it was when He first said them: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost [its] savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16, KJV).
When others look at you and your life – your attitudes, words, and behaviours – what do they see? In the words of David Otis Fuller, “If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
