When we see politicians on television news shows, their name is shown at the bottom of the screen so we will know who they are and where they’re from (“Representative so and so of this state” or “Senator whoever of that state”).  There is usually a (D) or an (R) beside their name – meaning Democrat or Republican – to note their political party.  Sometimes, we don’t need to see the D or R to know which party they’re in because they’ll be stating opinions and taking positions that are identified with a particular one.  At times, they’ll be saying or doing things that will make the other people in their party wish that the D or R was not there so they wouldn’t be identified with them.

What if television stations started using a (C) after a person’s name to show they are a Christian?  If the people in our life – our family, friends, co-workers, and the strangers we deal with along the way, were to see us on the television news giving a sound-bite, would there need to be a (C) after our name for them to know that we are a Christian?  Or thinking the other way, if our actions and words were put on theTV screen and beside our name we did have a (C), would they be surprised to discover we are a Christian?  Would other Christians wish we didn’t have the (C) there?

Whether we realize it or not, and whether we like it or not, our words and actions are clear signs to those around us.  They show where our heart is, and what we base our life upon.  As Christians, our words and actions should make it evident to others that we are basing our life on Jesus Christ.  If we were to be seen on the news with a (C) beside our name, it shouldn’t be a surprise or regret to anyone.  It would be even better if our faith is so clear that the (C) isn’t even necessary.           

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1 ESV

Bill Jones (C) - By the Grace of God - and thankful for it!