Believing in God-June 15, 2012

"You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? James 2:19-20

The claims and boasts of Christianity on the part of many are much exaggerated.  This is said not from a standpoint of judgment but of observation.  Consider a couple of examples:

• A nationally syndicated morning radio show host starts his stand up routine with "I am a Christian but I am not perfect.  God is not done with me yet."  From there he proceeds to perform a routine laced with profanity and sexual innuendo.
• A morning television personality on a well known news network recently said while discussing the then unexpressed gay marriage views of the President, "I am a Christian and I believe in gay marriage."

There is no reason to believe that either of these individuals or the President for that matter do not believe in God.  They have said they do and their word is as good as anyone else's; but then what?  So anyone can claim to know and even love God but is it just a statement or reality?  Is it a position or a conviction?  Is it talk or is it walk?

Beloved, one need never claim to be a Christian anymore than there is a need to claim to be a human, a man, or a woman.  In most cases, these things can readily be seen by observing the differences between what you are and what you are not.  In that we do not have fur, fins, feathers or tails we are clearly human beings.  Observe how Jesus said Christians can be identified:

• "If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples." John 8:31
• "By this all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another."  John 13:35
• "Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples." John 15:8

In short, we must do what he said do, love all mankind and be productive in the kingdom.  Belief is expressed in what we do, not what we say.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee