by Stacy L. Harp
One of the things I love about different cultures is how they show themselves to the world. In the Christian culture it’s very interesting because people think that if you “wear your faith on your sleeve” – literally – that that somehow makes you a visible and active Christian. Honestly, that is one of the biggest lies I think that is happening in the Christian culture. Here’s what I mean…
Christians in America are spoiled. Christians in America have no clue about real deep faith and commitment to Christ – for the most part. Christians in America are worldly, competitive, and frankly, more about themselves than serving Jesus.
I just happened to stumble upon this website right before I decided to write this blog. The site sells Christian t-shirts and while that is not a crime, it’s actually no indicator of a persons spiritual maturity either. I had to laugh at some of the t-shirts because they are clever, but again, not really a way to display the fruit of the Spirit. In fact, some of the t-shirts are relatively suggestive – for example, there is one that says “Under the Influence” and in small print it says “Of the Spirit”. But of course, you’re first thought is not the Spirit, it’s alcohol or drugs. Another one says, “Homeland Security” and of course you’re to think of the protection of America when in fact in smaller print the shirt is talking about heaven being home and Christ being our security. Like I said, there is nothing wrong with these things per se, however wearing them doesn’t mean the person is a Christian or a mature believer.
When I went to Israel and had the opportunity to spend a day with Internationally recognized author and bible teacher, Kay Arthur, I saw and heard a mature Christian. To this day I am still struck by her humility, wisdom and servant’s heart. In fact, I have witnessed the characters of some pretty popular Christians and no one was as like Christ as Kay is. Not only does she really know the word of God, but she lives it. She has being a servant down.
So what does it mean to show our faith to the world without wearing clothes, just that. We do not need to wear a shirt to advertise that we have faith in Christ. We need to clothe ourselves in Christ and with Christ. We do this by allowing the Spirit of God to change us. We learn to obey the words of God, and we learn to serve others above ourselves. We learn to be loving, kind, patient, long suffering and all of the other characterististics that describe love and the fruit of the Spirit. That is what we need to wear – every single day.
Then as the old song says, they will know we are Christians by our love, yes they will know we are Christians by our love. Not the clever clothes we wear.
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