Watermark

If you watch much TV, or see many movies, Christians usually are portrayed in one of several ways.  A. Hypocritical jerks who preach one thing and do another.  B. Child abusers and various other assorted perverts. Or C. Judgmental, self-righteous oafs who are constantly on the warpath against sin and sinners. We’ve all seen these stereotypical versions, but the sad thing is, in many instances they are true. Small wonder that the very thing that keeps people from becoming followers of Christ, are Christians!  Remember the old TV program, To Tell The Truth?  Well as the host, Gary Moore, would say, “Will the real Christian please stand up.”  Are there qualities that mark an individual as an authentic Christian? In photography I label my work with my unique “watermark” so that people know it‘s mine.  I believe God does the same with us.  First and foremost, they will be mirrors of Christ’s nature, who himself is the exact representation of God.  Find me a place in scripture that shows Jesus acting in any of the above ways, it just isn’t there. His walk and his talk were straight, and in alignment with his Father.  Let’s see how the Bible addresses the above “Christians”. A. “Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.” James 5:12.  B. “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.” Ephesians 5:3. And lastly, C., “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37. There are no perfect followers, but as we mature in faith, and in knowledge of his Word, we will be showing the world the real deal, the watermark of authenticity!