Someone I know asked this question recently.
“If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
I had been thinking about how Alma counseled that in the next life, everyone will “partake of the fruits of their labors or their works”. (Alma 40:26)
And it made me think:
What am I laboring in right now?
Would I be able to be clearly labeled as a Christian if someone was scrutinizing my life?
I mean, yeah, I’ve got pictures of Jesus Christ in my home and I attend church each Sunday…
But I think the real conviction comes from how I conduct myself and interact with others.
Do I reflect Christ in my day-to-day living?
When the restaurant forgets my order and it takes another 30 minutes?
When my toddler has a meltdown because she didn’t get to eat the crouton she wanted?
When I’m feeling left out from activities with friends?
Do I still behave as a Christian would?
Not that we know the clear, exact way Christ would handle any of those situations.
… But there are clear ways in which I deviate from the examples He showed.
And then, other times, I feel my entire will being melded with His.
When a gossipy conversation arrives, and I quietly excuse myself.
When I react to a tough situation with love and grace, instead of impatience and anger.
When I teach my kids about Jesus.
My labors are good.
Which means my fruit will be good.
But I know I can work on making my labors even better.
So everyone I interact with will know that I have a special relationship with my Savior.
Even if we never talk religion.
I hope that I can be the most obvious Christian.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
This is very thought provoking. I think Christians are being persecuted more and more today. We will be tested in our commitment to Christ. Because of that, this thought is a lot more profound than how we live every day— although that’s where we need to focus right now. Thank you so much for sharing such goodness in the world!
I agree! Thank you!