HOW CAN YOU TELL?

Earlier, we saw a gorgeous looking woman in her scrubs. Dena said she's either a nurse or a doctor. I thought, she can be a CNA too! But wait, workers in doctor's offices and the healthcare section wears scrubs too, even though they do not necessarily provide direct healthcare.

It made me think: what about a Christian? How can you tell if a person is a Christian? That is a very hard question because even though most of us profess to be one, sometimes it is hard to see Christ in us especially in our own homes. I think proximity, familiarity and the emotion play a vital role in this. Of course, it is still the devil who can be blamed. Because he uses our family to cause division, strife and heartaches so that we would give up harmony, peace and love which are the characteristics of Jesus.

When we show love, mercy, kindness and forgiveness to others, especially to those who need it most, we are showing Jesus in us. To me, the main responsibility of a Christian is pointing to Jesus in everything we say or do. It is not possible if we are to do it by ourselves. We need to feel the love of Jesus first and the Holy Spirit who will lead us to the truth.

The most common misconception about being a Christian is that people think we need to be perfect and that we do not sin anymore. If we do, then the outlook or high regard others have towards us diminish.

Christians are not perfect people. No one is except God. I want to share with you something written by Carol Wimmer in 1988.

When I say that I am a Christian, I do not shout that I am clean living. I'm whispering that I was lost but now am found and forgiven. 

When I say that I am a Christian, I don't speak of this with pride. I am confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say that I am a Christian I am not trying to be strong. I am professing that I am weak and needing His strength to carry on. 

When I say that I am a Christian I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say that I am a Christian I'm not saying i am perfect. My flaws are far too visible but God believes that I am worth it.

When I say that I am a Christian I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name.

When I say that I am a Christian I am not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received His grace somehow.....

"Father in heaven, thank you for loving me even though sometimes I do not act like I am a Christian. May I always be conscious that I am a living representative of Christ's love to others - yes Lord, even to those who get into my nerves. Amen."

Meditation: Psalm 37:1-2

Do not be provoked by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. Like grass they wither quickly; like green plants they wilt away.

--that in all things God may be glorified