The Most Powerful Witness

July 3, 2020

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 NLT

Throughout the history of Christianity, there have been many debates and opinions on what constitutes irrefutable proof of being a Christian. Some have pointed to rites and rituals, like confirmation, first communion, church membership. Others have been sure that practices like regular church attendance, tithing, fasting and other acts of piety are the most reliable means of judging. Still others have been sure that true followers of Jesus prove it by outward signs like the way they dress, wear their hair, or the absence of jewelry. Others believe that true followers are known by their abstinence from certain things like alcohol and cigarettes. When I was a child, true Christians in some circles didn’t go to movies or dances, and some believed real, true followers didn’t even own a television.

I could go on. I could tell you about men wearing white shirts to church and never a hat. Women wearing dresses only and always a hat. The thing is, these practices or lack of them didn’t prove anything to other “Christians.” Christians doubted each other, looked down upon others who didn’t do what they did, and were unconvinced that others who were different were really, truly “saved.”

Today our “proofs” are different in the specifics, but very similar in essence. We look for what political party or positions they espouse and where they stand on certain issues. And we still aren’t convincing anyone. The only reasonable thing to do is to find out what Jesus said. How did He define a Christian? What did He indicate was proof that a person was a Christian?

Well, first, Jesus never called anyone a Christian and never called anyone to be a Christian. The term was first used in Antioch of the Gentiles who came to follow Jesus there through Paul’s ministry. Perhaps it was meant as a derogatory term, as some scholars believe. Or perhaps it was simply that it was common for followers of a person to be identified with his name, as Caesar’s followers were referred to as Caesariani.

Jesus only referred to anyone who claimed to belong to Him as a disciple or follower. Disciples are like their master, their teacher. Followers are shown by their imitation or following in the footsteps of their leader. They do what he does. The priority of their life is leaving their former way of life to do as he does. Jesus agreed with that definition when He called us His followers, His disciples. He said the proof that would convince the watching world was when we love as He loved.

• Pray: Jesus, I don’t want to be a Christian. I want YOU to recognize me as Your disciple, Your follower. You said Yourself that I will only prove I am Your disciple by my love. I so need Your help to do that. Fill me with love, forgiveness, and acceptance for others. I choose to be like You, a friend of sinners. Amen.