If being a Christian was a crime, will you get convicted?
Like most people, I enjoy watching dramas that have a court case type setting in it’s script. It intrigues me the way the lawyers bring their cases forward with evidence for or against and the tasking job on the jurors to decide, based on evidence and closing argument, if the accused is innocent or guilty of the crime. It’s hard to tell sometimes that these are actors actually.
In the real world, court cases also play out like we see in the movies only difference is the crime is real and the prosecution is also real. I attended a lunch time bible study and we all discussed about various characters, habits and behaviors we see today and sadly most of us testified that such seemingly negative behaviors are prevalent amongst us Christians. (A marvel why most of Apostle Paul’s letters were addressed to the churches right?) It got me thinking and evaluating so many aspects of my life in relation to warnings Apostle Paul wrote to the churches.
The bible says in Mathew 5;16 (paraphrased) that let your light so shine before men that they (the men/women/people/community/nation) may see your good deeds and praise your father who is in heaven. So I asked myself,’ If any one sees me (my actions, reactions, behavior, opinions), will they immediately or easily be motivated to serve God or will they turn and run the complete opposite direction?
“By their fruits you shall know them” is another verse from the book of Mathew that shows that people of a ‘certain kind’ produce fruits of a ‘certain kind’. It all adds up doesn’t it?
So imagine this court case scenario (you need to imagine to get the gist here)- you are brought into court and accused wrongly however the Judge decides that to set you free, your lawyer needs to produce evidence that shows you are a Christian. What do you think your conviction will be based on the evidence you have? Get the picture?
My point is this- how often do we gladly stand against God rather than stand for him? How many brethrens could be with Christ from just observing our lifestyle centered on Christ rather than live the way that leads to obvious eternal destruction? How many homes and relationship will be saved if we choose to set or live it the way God intends with biblical examples? How many more souls remain un-accounted for when we choose a selfish way of thinking rather than a selfless service to God and humanity?
For you and I to be convicted as Christ followers we will need to have some of these evidence: exhibit the fruits of the spirit with wisdom, living a holy and consecrated life, loving freely without reserve, forgiving, peaceful, upright, successful with integrity, not given to carnality, not boastful, not proud, not arrogant, not envious, not dubious and not a liar, loved by all, a giver, tither, selfless service to God’s Kingdom, never overcome with anger, bitterness, malice nor strife, soul winner for Christ, list is almost endless. (The bible contains a whole lot more of Christ like evidence, all easy to live by with the help of the Holy Spirit)
So, I ask again, will you be convicted of being a true Christian if it was a crime?
Ever thought about this?
Fading Slowly
Have you ever been in an act where you wonder how in the world you got mixed up in it? I have!. Deception slowly creeps in on us innocently and before you know it, we are consumed by it. That is why the bible advices us in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, the Amplified version reads- Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Remember-The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus Christ) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows).-John 10:10 (Amplified version)
Slow Fade Lyrics at AZLyrics.com