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“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24 (ESV)

“You must be a Virginia Tech fan,” flowed from the lips of a sweet lady at the gym.  My maroon shorts and orange tank top were a dead giveaway; however, a Hokie fan I was not (sorry).  I’m not really into college sports so my choice of clothing had nothing to do with devotion to a team, but rather what was clean in my gym bag.  While I definitely looked the part of a Hokie fan, this sweet lady was so wrong.  And, you could see the disappointment on her face as she walked away.

Didn’t take me long to realize a powerful truth tucked away in this moment.  How many times have we assumed someone was a follower of Christ because they looked the part?  Perhaps they faithfully attended our church and sat close to the front.  Maybe they were one of those whose worship was igniting and filled with passion.  Could it be they actually never missed one of our Bible studies? And yes, because they looked the part, we excused ourselves from asking about their relationship with God.

On the flip side, how many times have we assumed someone wasn’t a follower of Christ because they didn’t look the part?  Perhaps lots of tattoos caused us to question their faith.  Maybe the guy’s long hair and ripped jeans created doubt or worse judgment.  Could it be they never attended any of our Bible studies?  And yes, because they didn’t look the part, we assumed they were desperately in need of God’s saving grace.

Wow even listening to both of these scenarios convicts my spirit.  Being a follower of Christ isn’t about tucking our Bibles under our arm and heading to church.  Being a follower of Christ isn’t dictated by how expressive we are during worship or how many church activities we participate in.  Being a follower of Christ doesn’t mean our hair is the perfect length and our jeans aren’t trendy.

Being a follower of Christ is all about one’s personal relationship with Him.  Opening up our hearts and confessing Christ is God’s Son.  Seeking His forgiveness for our sins and surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying and transforming work in our lives. Totally falling in love with the One who created us, fashioned us and formed us before we even entered the world.  Actively engaging with Christ through studying His word and authentically pouring out our hearts.  Trusting Christ,  obeying His word and reflecting His character to our world.  Keeping Christ at the center of our lives and wholeheartedly worshipping Him in all that we do. Sharing the love of Christ and the reason for the hope within us. Beautiful reminder – being a follower of Christ is about the heart.

The world will know us by the way we love God and love each other, not because we look the part. And loving others is always the best invitation to ask anyone about their relationship with Christ.

“Father, looking the part won’t get us into Heaven – only a personal relationship with You guarantees our eternal home.  Help us to share the truth of Your saving grace with everyone we meet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life