The question is, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" I read this in a Voice of the Martyrs devotional I'm going through right now. I couldn't get past it. It's so thought provoking. So convicting. I think my heart skipped a beat when I started to examine myself. Those deep parts where no one else can see. Those places I wish even God couldn't see.
Based upon the mood I was in when I was reading, I don't know if I would've been convicted of being a Christian. Some days, especially at work, the thoughts running through my head are so far from Christian. At times I allow my frustration to rule my attitude. So when I read this question, I started to think really hard. Have I allowed my light to get hidden? Quoting a few scriptures or offering to pray for someone just doesn't feel like enough.
The people in this book are real people all over the world who have been killed and imprisoned simply because they serve my God! Their unwillingness to conform left them vulnerable to torture and even death. Remember Rachel Scott from Columbine? She was a teenager who refused to deny Christ, and met her Maker shortly after her declaration.
I've concluded that I'm too pampered. I sometimes look at Bible reading and church attendance as an obligation, and forget that it is a wonderful privilege. God forgive my complacence. The next time I ask myself, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict," I want to make sure the evidence is overwhelming. I want no chance of getting off. I want a harsh sentence based upon my unwavering commitment to Jesus who died for me. I will also remember to pray for my brothers and sisters who are suffering around the world.
Rubies are rare and precious jewels. Every facet is unique. When they are broken, they can only be restored by the Creator.
3 comments:
I asked that question to our youth group a couple of years ago. It was interesting how they thought that because of the deeds they did or how they tried to act it meant they were a Christian and would be found guilty. By the world's view, they may be right. But what about God's view? Started some great conversations. There are days I feel I would be acquitted with one look from the judge. I want to be guilty.
I put together some videos for Voice of the Martyrs a few years back. Amazing stories of faith and standing firm. We have it so easy yet we complain anyway.
I love this post and the timing is amazing because I was just reading "Rachel's Tears" again. And our Pastor just preached on this topic as to whether our lives reflect what we say we believe. And it's definitely something I struggle with. Honestly though I probably told you this before but I went to many different churches growing up. We were always members of New Jerusalem but when mom or dad got fed up with something we'd leave. So we went to Church of Warren for a few years then Friendship for awhile then Believers back to new Jerusalem then to Higher Praise. Then to a church I want to call sunside but I forgot the name.
It honestly wasn't until I met your parents and married Sam that I understood salvation through Christ not deeds. And after asking Christ to live in my heart "rachel's tears" was the first book I stumbled on outside the Bible and it was the first example I had of anyone spending quiet time with God and talking to him and loving him.
I still marvel at the fact that your parents have raised you and Sam to truly love the Lord. And at your wedding one of your Bridesmaids said you were her first Christian friend which surprised me not because you were a bad person but because you lived off in Tolero and could've lived however you wanted yet this is the view she had of you.
I think we're all going to question this at times. I question it a lot and sometimes I feel my light is shining bright for Him and at other times I'm just blending in. And it's comforting to know I'm not the only one who struggles with this.
I guess I've been around my share of fake Christians and fake churches that your family was instantly different. I remember thinkin "wow they actually believe this stuff" and that made it all the more interesting to me. Honestly there's some stuff I observed about Sam while we were dating and early on in marriage that demonstrated faith and blew my mind and then going to Triedstone I was wondering what were these people on and how can I join in and that's very sad considering I'm one who'd gone to church my whole life...
Oh too I thought you might like this site I stumbled up on awhile ago while reading about Brianna Esswein: http://ywam-memorial.org/w/ It's somewhat sad but very interesting and uplifting to read about the people on the site so I like going through the memorials at times.
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