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This morning I asked another question to the 30 mighty men. “Do you believe your credibility affects the credibility of Christ to those around you?" The reason I asked this is that I believe people make judgements about someone's beliefs based on that person's actions. Have you ever known someone who discredited the name of someone else? I know I have – sometimes I've actually been the one doing the discrediting unfortunately. (I'm still looking forward to my hypocrisy post – maybe next week!)
Anyway, I posted an email I received on credibility, here on the blog, and I thought it contained some practical points, but I want to go deeper on this idea; maybe even from the practical to the theoretical. You see, I desire a mindset that plans ahead with a clear understanding that someone's perception of me as a Christian will affect (if not determine) what they think about Christ. I do not want to discredit Him, so I believe I need to perform well in my profession.
I also believe in the 2 Tim 2:15 principle: being diligent to show myself approved in the knowledge of God – as an unashamed worker… I had a friend back at Kings Point that applied this to their academic studies, and I think it's good to apply to my Marine Corps disciplines as well – specifically flying. (if you dissent with my application of this verse, please read the rest of the chapter, specifically vs 14, 16 & 23 – this is a “non-essential," and I speak with human reasoning) also feel free to elevate this with comments!
The importance of representing Christ as a Christian is something I hope more believers take to heart. I know many of us want to perform well and look good so we have credibility, but how much more important is it to show the world how GOOD Christ already is? After all, as fallen humans, all we are really capable of is making Him look bad… Will this mindset cause us to take our actions (even the perception of those actions) more seriously?
For the One that already has all credibility, what if our lives reveal His credibility to those who don't believe in it? Seeing is still believing to some, right? Ultimately they DO still have to taste it to see it, but why would they want to try it if they don't see a need for it? I hope we realize that our lives are capable of ruining someone's appetite… We carry a fragrance don't we?
May the Holy Spirit be our Helper in these efforts, and may we remember we can't do anything without Him!
Peace,
Adam
Linked Verses:
2 Tim 2:14-16, 23-25
1 Cor 9:27
Prov 3:3-4
Col 2:9-10
Psalm 34:8
2 Cor 2:15
John 14:16
John 15:5