“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” (John 13:35 The Amplified Bible)
Priscilla, a 64-old woman with years of prior teaching at the secondary level, applied for a job at local charter school. After taking an early retirement, she got tired of sitting around the house, and decided she would answer an advertisement for a classroom teacher at a school that was established to meet the needs of young adults and older teenagers who had not finished high school for one reason or the other. She felt she could make a difference in the lives of these students, inspire them to attain success in academics and in the pursuit of successful life after graduation.
After reviewing her accomplishments on her resume, she was invited to a panel interview by the school administrator. In the interview, she responded to every question presented to her exceptionally well. She had excellent explanations to respond to situational questions posed by the panel. At the end of the interview, the person heading the school administrator thanked Priscilla for interviewing and as soon as they checked her references, the school’s hiring representative would be in contact with her.
Problems arose during the reference checking process because a few of the schools she worked for in the past were no longer operational and some of her references: peers and administrator were no longer in the land of the living. The hiring representative contacted Priscilla and explained that a decision on hiring her was delayed because of the difficulty in reaching people who could back-up, validate what was listed on the resume. Priscilla did not fret. Instead, she turned to faith and prayed that the Lord would help her persevere through the delay and in finding viable references. There is a lesson here, although not the main lesson for today. However, we need to note that Priscilla defeated “fret” with “faith.” Now, it took some work to find people who could verify her background and provide proof that she was exactly who she said she was, a professional educator with great success, equipped with outstanding skills. She submitted her new list of references that included former students that attributed their success to the classroom techniques and candid, wise, life lessons provided by Priscilla. Priscilla’s proof convinced the school officials, and she was offered the position.
Let’s make this applicable to your life as a Christian, a born again believer, and a disciple of Jesus Christ. You cannot just say you are a Christian, but like Priscilla you need to present some proof. You cannot just say you have faith, but your faith needs to be proven, demonstrated in your actions.
Let me make some suggestions. The best proof that you can provide is your love for others, demonstrated in a variety of ways. You won’t have to produce any references. A resume will not be required. However, in your everyday living, in your external actions, in your every interaction, in your engaging conversations, in your enduring demonstration of faith in God, and most of all easing any concerns that you are a new creature by showing that you have passed from death to life. Contemplate on the two scriptural references that I have provided for you this morning, the one above and the one below. Confidentially evaluate, with exact integrity, whether or not you are providing proof to the world. Consider how you will make improvements in the areas where you identify as “Needs Improvement” areas. Don’t just contemplate about such areas, but consciously implement changes in those areas. Do not hesitate to make some perfect progress so your proof will be indisputable.
Have you just been challenged? Don’t feel you are the only one! We, me included, all have been challenged! Have a great Tuesday my friend! Present your proof! Be blessed!
P.S. The word “love” for us is more than an admiring feeling, but it is an action.
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers.” (I John 3:14 Modern English Version)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King