Do you exist?
Every year, millions of children are born into the world with no valid proof of their existence. Many are from developing countries where government registration of births does not take place. Just because there is no official record does not mean they are not alive. It only means they cannot produce an official document to prove it.
Have you ever been challenged to prove you exist? Or that you belong at your school? Or questioned why you had a job or internship? Has anyone ever asked you to prove you are a follower of Jesus? The question could come from another Christian who believed that if you could not name the time and date of your conversion, your salvation may be in question. A skeptic could state that it is impossible to say God is in your life, and that you cannot be absolutely sure of the result of faith. Both questions seem a bit narrow and restricting.
The New Testament is full of admonitions for followers of Jesus to connect belief and behavior. Like two wings of an airplane, belief and behavior are crucial for balance, health, and maturity. Read 1 John 3:11-24. Verse 23 is a command from Jesus to BOTH believe in him, AND, love one another.
Do a brief study of the New Testament and look up all the “one another” statements such as, love one another, serve one another, and care for one another. Jesus expects our love for Him (and the evidence of a changed and empowered life) to be expressed in our love for one another. Remember the words of the apostle John: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. (1 John 3:14)
If someone asks you to prove that you are a Christian, go ahead and admit that it is very difficult to do. But continue to live out the teachings of Jesus each day and demonstrate what the Scriptures call us to be. When you love someone with the love of God, they will know that you are His disciple. Live communally. Love is always louder than an argument.
Love is a verb,
Mike
P.S. If there is a skeptical person in your life, will you ask God for an opportunity to love that person today?
