Credible, Authentic Disciples

To be honest, I get a bit tired of people, especially politicians and talking heads, attacking Christians. Either we’re pushing to take over everything and have a theocracy, or we incredibly stupid for believing what we believe. The sad reality is that most of us believers are neither dangerous or ignorant. Sometimes we get off the track, but mostly we just want to serve God and enjoy the blessings he has promised, not the least, eternal life.

How do people recognize an authentic Christian? For that matter, what is a genuine Christian? Are believers political? Are they supposed to be? Who’s right and who’s wrong among the many different groups? Is it only a matter of belief, allegiance to a set of ideas, or even just claiming the name?

Jesus himself was actually pretty clear. He said:

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Here Jesus plainly promises that those who truly stick with the teaching he gave are legitimate disciples, and the benefits are knowing the truth and being free. The Jews argued that they were not slaves, but he disagreed, saying they weren’t free but enslaved to sin, as are many today. Even worse, he accuses them of being children of Satan, not true sons of Abraham.

Many today seek to prove their legitimacy bycomes from having correct doctrine. Yet, this promise is for the disciples own encouragement, not to use as proof. Indeed, truth claims only produce arguments, and therefore they fail as a way of verifying authentic faith. Jesus provided a different way of providing credentials and credibility: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The reality is simple. Most people are not looking for correct doctrine; most have no idea that it might even be important. In this age of advertising and sales, those who argue that they have the truth sound like cheap hucksters selling a product. Most people recognize a pitch, when they hear one, and they will listen only if they’re in the mood to “buy.” This kind of often poor salesmanship satisfies the pride of the seller more than filling any God-given purpose, much of the time.

People have needs and will listen to a credible person who offers a way for those needs to be met. One of the most compelling needs is for love, to be loved, and to be accepted despite the sin that most people recognize makes them unlovable. Our love for each other, if genuine and apparent, announces that we have what they want…not only love, but more:  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” This familiar Beatitude reveals another mark of the genuine Christian, being recognized because of being peacemakers.

Is it any surprise then, today, that so few regard Christians favorably? Christians fight with other Christians far more than they love them. Where are the peacemakers? Every believer should be a peacemaker, a reconciler, and person inspired by love to break down the barriers that divide, but few are. As a result, we don’t live up to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Love, peace, and unity should indelibly mark every believer and every assembly of believers. Then people will know we are the genuine article, the authentic disciple, and the one true Church of Jesus Christ.

More importantly, people will listen to us. They will be curious to know why we act that way—not fighting, enjoying relationships that last, and comfortably part of what we call the family of God. We can then fulfill the suggestion in I Peter 3:15-16, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Political activism is a separate issue for another time, but few believers want anyone but Christ himself to rule. When he does, all arguments will end. Until then, however, those who follow Christ must be careful to be what he has called us to be, not arrogant sellers of a religious product, but loving representatives of a loving Savior. Before we can convey truth, we must show love, seek peace, and live in unity. Then we will be disciple who are both genuine and believable.

(Re-posted from 2009)