So What’s the Verdict?
“ So I beg you, brothers and sisters, because of the great mercy God has shown us, offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him—an offering that is only for God and pleasing to him. Considering what he has done, it is only right that you should worship him in this way. Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:1 & 2 (ERV)
Suppose you are arrested. The accusation in question:
Being a follower of Christ – a Christian.
Will there be found enough evidence to convict you? Let’s see!
When your family is questioned, what will their responses reveal?
What impact, if any, have you made on your neighbors and in your community groups?
When your fellow co-workers and your friends are interrogated – what will their reactions be?
What will be the findings recorded in your check book; from your bank statement and regular purchases made?
What about when you’re driving…. And stuck in traffic… or your faced with an irrational driver?
And let’s not forget your computer. What will the history of sites that you’ve visited, a search engine check or the social groups that you are involved in support?
If your picture were to be shown to people who may not know you personally – but see you on a regular basis; what would be their opinion of the type of person that you appear to be?
If your picture were shown in the a few clubs or to a few servers at the restaurants that you frequent….. what would be said?
If your picture were to be shown to some of the merchants where you shop – would they say that their inventory always displays a decrease upon your departure – even though you may not make a purchase?
And let’s not forget about showing an active concern for: the sick or homebound, those who are incarcerated, the homeless, the widows, the orphans and the elderly.
So think about it. Are you really making enough of an impact and leaving a “paper trail” that will, without a shadow of a doubt, be able to convict you of being a follower of Christ?
We all have “works” that are on display for others to observe. However, we are instructed to let our lights shine so that our GOOD works will be seen. (Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”)
Our ultimate purpose for being here is to draw others to the Lord. In other words, the only reason why we are still here is that we still have more work to do….more souls to impact for the kingdom of God. Matthew 5:14 in the Message Bible says it like this:
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.”
So if you were accused of being a follower of Christ, and based upon the evidence that would be gathered - would the jury quickly submit a verdict of absolutely guilty… without a shadow of a doubt? Would they be dead locked? Or would they submit a decision of not guilty? Think about it…… begin today to acquire more evidence to physically support your inward conviction!
Yes! God sees and knows our heart, however, He has required us to be a living example to this chaotic world. Our verbal expressions about our Lord are great; but it’s our lifestyle that will make the greater impact on those around us!
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