Do They Know You’re Christian? — Michelle Blan
I recently heard Joyce Meyer say the following, paraphrased of course: Those you encounter should know you are a Christian within the first 15 minutes of meeting you. Not because you tell them. Not because you wear a cross around your neck. Not because you are wearing a shirt with something Godly on it or are carrying a Bible.
How then, right? How can someone know you believe in something if you don’t tell them?
Imagine if Jesus walked all around Jerusalem simply saying, “Hey! I’m a Christian. Follow me because that’s what I am. Yep, I am a Christian. So stop what you are doing and come.” Do you think he would have received the same response?
Not likely.
Jesus set himself apart. He carried himself differently. He talked to people that others didn’t (the Samaritan woman). He didn’t fret over menial things. He spent a lot of time in prayer (Luke 11). He fasted. He loved unconditionally. He spoke the truth always.
Our actions speak so much louder than our words. For instance, I could tell anyone that I am giving up sugar. But the moment I fill my plate with a huge piece of birthday cake at Aunt Margaret’s 105th birthday bash my secret is out — I wanted people to think I was someone who could give up sugar. I wanted people to think I had that willpower and get all the praise for being strong, like hearing, Ooh I could never give up sugar. I love my desserts way too much!
Ok, so that is totally a fake scenario, but I think you get where I was going, right? We can all say that we are Christians, but we shouldn’t have to. Everyone should just know by the way we present ourselves. Take a look at John 12:3-6:
Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor – he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.
Mary was using her best, most expensive perfume to wash the feet of Jesus — and even dried them with her own hair. Then, you have Judas. He tries to sway Mary from doing so and even makes a statement that appears very Christian (the line about selling the perfume and giving the money to the poor), but… I mean, really, Jesus knows our heart and whether or not it is pure so Judas wasn’t fooling anybody. These are two very different people – both Christians. See the difference?
So, how does a Christian act? What traits do Christians have that would set them apart from the rest? What could show someone in a matter of minutes that you have Christ in your heart? I’m going to share with you.
Speak kindness
Show love
Don’t gossip
Be willing to serve
Be honest
Give without receiving
Listen
Be faithful
When you’ve got a God that is as awesome as mine, you can’t help but feel blessed. Choose to walk through life as though you are and your faith will shine.
Until next time… ❤❤
