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 just been pondering on Alma’s counsel in Chapter 40 that in the next life, we will partake of the fruits of our labors.
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?
To me, this question doesn’t focus my mind to “outward appearance” measurements.
Yes, I have pictures of Christ in my home, my clothing is modest, and when church is in session, I attend.
Those are all great and important outward measurements of being a follower of Christ.
But 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 extra 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 there’s a 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 daughter about how Jesus loves us.
My labors are good.
Which means my fruit will be good.
But I know I can work on making my labors even better.
That everyone I interact with will know that I have a special relationship with my Savior, even if we never talk religion.
That I can be the most obvious Christian.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
4 Responses
Thank you for sharing your thoughts every day! I love your insights!
Thanks so much!
Your name is in my scriptures as I journal to make them my own. Your quotes sometimes makes my day so much better! I’ve been trying diligently to do more likening of the scriptures to me the past few years. I take more of a scholarly approach bc of my training as a historian, researching and analyzing. So this approach takes training from the Holy Ghost. Thank you for your perspectives.
I think it’s so fun to find that balance – looking at them from that scholarly angle, but keeping in mind that essential part of applying the little lessons. I’m glad you’ve found this helpful! <3