When you see a fireman you know he is a fireman because he looks like a fireman. He has a helmet and fire suit, he might be carrying an ax or a hose, or be driving a big red fire truck. There is little doubt that he is a fireman.
I sometimes wish that this was true of Christians. I wish that we got a uniform or a badge or something. Instead we are left with being known by our love for others and consequently our actions. I would like to propose a recycling of an old idea. I would like Christians everywhere and from all denominations to come together and come up with a list of specific behaviors that would be the uniform of the Christian. I recently read the Rule of St. Benedict and I think that he had some good ideas on how a monastery should be run and that many of them would be good ideas for the rest of us who are not monks.
What if we banded together and said we were going to honor the sabbath by not working on Sunday (Jews still don't work on Saturday), we were going to fast every Wednesday and Friday by not eating lunch (the Church has done this most of its history), and we all pray 3 or four times a day (also something the Church has done most of history)?
None of these things will bring salvation but they can lead to a better, stronger Church. And these are not the only markers that could work. What other common specific behaviors could mark the Church and its people?
I have always felt anyone can put on a "uniform" of Christianity. And many do without being committed to Christ. I can put on fireman's clothing but it does not make me a firefighter. If you live your life in a devout way people will know you are a Christian because of what you do and say. Isn't that enough of a uniform?
ReplyDeleteYour right Pitch, looking like a Christian doesn't make you a Christian. However, the Bible says we will be known by our love, and love manifest itself in actions. Our actions are our uniform but I don't see the that the mass majority of Christians are living their lives any differently than the rest of the world around us.
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