Many years ago, my father had a card on his desk that questioned “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” I believe this remains a valid question. If you had to prove you were a follower of Jesus, would you be able to do it? You couldn’t just state that you said a prayer one time because more than likely there were very few witnesses to that prayer. In addition, how does saying a prayer prove that you actually follow Jesus? Anyone can say a prayer, right? What if you actually had to give tangible proof, how would you fare? Would there be enough evidence to convict you?
We need to live every day with the sole purpose of building the evidence that we are indeed followers of Jesus. The way to do this, of course, is through tangible acts of love and service to others. We should greet each day with an excitement over the fact that we get to serve people for yet another day. We were created to serve and to love, and every day we get an opportunity to do so is cause for celebration. Life is more than paying bills, crummy jobs and grocery shopping. Our lives should be about seeking ways that we can serve others. What brings you more satisfaction, eating 8 slices of pizza watching the game or doing something genuinely nice and unselfish for someone else? We were made for service which is why there is no feeling quite like it. The peace and fulfillment you feel loving others is a direct result of you doing what you were created to do. You are no longer simply living, you become alive!
Take a walk through your neighborhood and make a checklist of ideas you get while looking around and talking to your neighbors. How might you help them and serve them? Be a good listener; sometimes people just need to talk or a shoulder to cry on. Don’t think you always need to know what to say. Let the other person lead and you can just sit back and watch for moments where you may be able to serve them. As you walk around, remind yourself that you are the hands and feet of Jesus. You are His representative, responsible for the mission of helping to bring His kingdom to reality on this earth. It is an awesome and exciting responsibility.
As you seek ways to serve others, remember that it is important to act on your ideas. Many will need to be acted on immediately, others will develop over time. Develop a sense of urgency and determine to always act immediately; when you hesitate, the moment is lost, usually forever. There is no worse feeling than being given an opportunity to serve and then hesitating. The moment will pass and you will be robbed of a blessing, the knowledge that you were doing exactly what Jesus would have done. Trust me, every time you let an opportunity pass you by, it will haunt you for days and weeks.
What evidence exists to prove you are a follower of Jesus? If you were on trial for being His disciple, would you be convicted? Start building the case against yourself today. Never miss an opportunity to serve someone or to show love to anyone in need. Make certain that there is proof beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are indeed a follower of Jesus.