Are You Guilty?

If we were brought into court, and accused of being Christians, would there be enough evidence to convict us? What in your life or activity, would link you with the crime of loving God?

We have watched enough T.V. police stories to know how it all proceeds…If there was a stake-out on us: would we be observed eating and drinking a ceremonial meal called the Lord’s Supper? Would wire-taps have picked up our voices saying a meal-time grace? Would anyone have seen us reading subversive literature known as the New Testament? Would the D.A. be able to prove that we had tracked into the homes of the poor, or that we had identified with people who were oppressed, or tried to lift the burden of being black?

But what about other factual evidence? Does our checkbook state a clear case of involvement with the ministry of Jesus? Are there any books of the faith in our home library? Have we been seen going regularly to that Christian gathering known as Church? Would the attorneys draw to the attention of the jurors that we had been guilty of certain forms of behavior…such as forgiving a person who had offended us…or, loving someone who had treated us unfairly? The case is building up…the prosecutor gets to his feet and offers his final summation…”This person”, he says, “even walks like a Christian…whether he is driving his car, or riding up an elevator…he has an infectious sparkle to his life.”

The facts are in…the verdict comes through: “This person is guilty of Christianity in the first degree!” Guilty!...Hallelujah!

Isn’t it great to see many who are guilty as charged: filling their pockets with unexpected love, guilty of modesty, guilty of caring about others, guilty of loving people rather than hating. Some people just can’t keep their connection with Jesus Christ a secret. They’re guilty!...Praise God!

Oh, to be with that Divine Warden, who has the Keys of Life. May He lock us up in His eternal love, forever!

Prayer: “O God, when we stop and think about it,
we are bowled over by your amazing grace.
Thank you, in Jesus’ name. Amen (James W.
Moore in The Sanctuary for Lent 2006)