Christian, Label or Life?
We recently took a trip to visit with some friends. They were eager to introduce us to some of their other friends. Each individual was introduced to us in the following manner; 1) their names, 2) their professions, and in some cases 3) their hobbies. That breaks down for me as label, label and some interests. That’s not really what intrigues me about people. I guess it really doesn’t matter anymore what somebody does or is, but I do love knowing who somebody is. Who’s Who is not my objective, please keep reading. So over the course of each scheduled gathering, I tried, sometimes helplessly, to get past the labels and into the character of our new acquaintances. The most interesting part of all this for me was that I was introduced as simply a friend or “former” executive, not as a Christian author/photographer. That executive tag is hard to outlive and the Christian tag can be hard to live with. I think there’s a good reason for this apparent apprehension. Christianity can be a label of embarrassment for many who display it but don’t live it and a badge of quiet character for true believers/followers who do! Christianity is not what we do (like a pastor or priest), it’s who we are. Another friend, told members of his family, that at a scheduled future event where they’d be gathering, they were going to meet (and I quote), “A real Christian”. That may be the greatest compliment that one of us can ever hope to be afforded.
Far too many of us try to separate our secular and spiritual or sacred lives. If we are successful in this endeavor, we are complete failures as Christians. Our Christian life tenets are an inseparable component of every aspect of our lives. This “label” defines who we are, but in some cases that could be a “for better or for worse” descriptor. We can not be good Christians and simultaneously be embarrassed by our relationship with God. John 15:2, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful“. On the other hand a failed Christian is a welcomed opportunity for others to shun, reference or reject the misunderstood “label” bearer and their proclaimed way of life. Another email, from an older friend, asked recently “Have you found Jesus”? I replied “He was never lost, I’m just talking about Him now”. I’ve not heard back from him. A relationship with God is worth far more than a handful of timid friends, of this I am now sure. I hope that you agree.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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