[240 words]
“You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).
A foundational idea of Christianity: It must be shown.
Christianity is not merely some facts to believe (though there are some facts that absolutely must be believed, such as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus).
Christianity is not merely some ideas to understand (though there are some ideas that must be understood, such as all have sinned and stand in need of a Savior).
Christianity is a lifestyle—it is a life—that must be clearly demonstrated. The facts that are believed and the ideas that are understood must lead to transformation. Our lives must be lived in such a way that we make it clear that we know Jesus.
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
“For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland” (Heb. 11:14). Christianity must be shown.
Let us live in such a way that we make it clear to whom we belong.
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY