Why Isn't the Story More Widely Known?
In the last post, I described how Jesus inhabits and transforms our lives as we practice obedience.
I ended the post with the question of why this work of God isn't more widely known or more clearly observed. The question could be expanded to examine why Christianity has been politicized to the point of many in the general public associating Christians with political labels and not with accounts of personal transformation, loving service, prayer and obedience, commitment to justice, or holiness and gentleness.
Christ followers are called to be authentic witnesses. This calling is both simple and complex. It's simple enough for everyone to understand. It's too complex to accomplish apart from God.
In scripture, we are called to be "in the world, but not of it." There's a tension between being "called out" of the general culture and being commanded to demonstrate a unique and godly life to that culture. We're told to be able to give a reason for the hope that's within us.
Often, we want to be accepted and approved by the world more than we want to be authentic witnesses. We attune ourselves to what or whom we love most. This is why Jesus says we must love God first and foremost beyond and above anyone or anything else. That love is expressed through obedience. Jesus says if you love him, you'll keep his commandments.
So to answer the question posed at the beginning of this meditation: living as an authentic witness is hard and can never be done in our own willpower. It's a choice that must be reinforced every day. Witnessing is never about telling others what's wrong with them and how soon they're going to Hell. Keep in mind the only group Jesus consistently condemned were hypocritical religious leaders. He welcomed, redeemed, and changed those classified as "sinners."
He never endorsed sin, and he never rejected sinners when they sought his help. When they were healed, restored, or made right he told them to go and tell the good things God had done for them.
The authentic witness is not afraid to tell the good things God has done for them. The authentic witness consistently lives a life that proves God really has done good things for them. The goal is honesty, not absolute perfection. Mistakes are made, but mistakes are not loved or explained away.
We need more authentic witnesses who walk their talk and talk their walk. It's simple but it's not easy. It can't be done through human willpower. But it can be done through love for and obedience to Jesus Christ. The invitation to discipleship is the invitation to live as an authentic witness.
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