Reading an article a little while ago, I was amazed to read a comment that referred to a well-known politician as “a committed Christian.” I found myself questioning why I was surprised. Was it his politics, the way he spoke, the policies he supported – or sadly, how he looked?
In the following few days, I decided to undertake my own investigation and tried to read about him and watch news items in which he was involved. Sadly, the media cannot always be relied upon to present the best record, especially when interviews are edited. At the end of my investigation, I was no better informed about his Christian faith, and though that may seem a critical appraisal, that is not my intention.
Reading local social media, I am often impressed with the helpful acts and generosity of people, who I assume are not Christians. This is based more on earlier media comments they have written, rather than an opinion based on assumptions rather than facts.
The outcome of this exercise resulted in a personal appraisal and asking myself, why anyone, outside of the circle of my Christian family and friends, would know that I am a Christian. What demonstrates that one person is a Christian and another is not, especially if their behaviour appears identical in most situations?
The Bible suggests that it is the love that is demonstrated, and Jesus also stated that “a city set on a hill cannot be hidden” Matthew 5. That version continues, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good work, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
For many years, the church I attended used a hymn book called “Hymns of Light and Love”. So perhaps that needs to be my daily motto, so I will desire to glorify my Father in heaven, rather than worry about whether or not people recognise that I am a Christian.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please enable me to live for your glory. AMEN