Romans
2:22-24 You
who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who
abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who brag about the law, do you dishonor
God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the
Gentiles because of you.”
“One Sunday morning several
years ago a woman stopped on her way out of church and said, “Don’t ever forget
that you are the best person that someone knows.” My immediate response was to
feel great pity for that one person who had such a group of friends that I
would rate as the best. But that woman’s statement comes back to me often as I
realize that my witness to Christ, be it good or bad, may be the only witness
that some person receives.”
Paul criticized the Jews
because their disregard for the law of God caused non-Jews to reject their God.
The same accusation can be leveled at many Christians today. We do not choose
whether we will be ambassadors for Christ or not. WE ARE His witnesses in the
world whether we choose to be or not. The only question is whether we will be
faithful witnesses or poor witnesses.
So long as we bear the name
Christian, others will judge Christ by our lives. If our lives do not reflect
God’s love, our words will be of no use. Alexander the Great despised cowardice
and honored bravery. When a young soldier was brought before him charged with
cowardly desertion, Alexander asked him his name. The boy replied “Alexander,
sir.” The military leader was enraged and said to the boy, “Change your life,
or change your name.”
We bear the name of Christ.
Do our lives live up to that name? Will those who see you in action see God’s
love in action and be drawn to Him? Christian, change your life or change your
name.
