A few years ago, I worked in an electronics store. Part of our dress code at this store was that we were required to wear a nametag that not only showed our name but also the logo of the store. Now, whenever I would go to lunch or get off work, I learned to remove that nametag promptly. The reason was because if I was at a restaurant or another department store, I would have random people walk up to me and ask for advice concerning technology matters. I’m serious, I had teens ask about the latest MP3 player, parents ask how they could keep track of their daughter’s cell phone or grandma’s asking me how to run the computer there family just bought for them.
Why would people do this? The reason was because they saw my nametag. They knew that because I wore that tag that I would be knowledgeable about electronic matters. The nametag showed that I belonged to something bigger than myself, that I had the backing and training of the entire company. People trusted that I knew what I was talking about and felt safe taking my advice.
We as believers also carry a type of nametag. Though we don’t post it on our shirts, we do bear the name of “Christians.” Unfortunately, the title “Christian” does not hold as much trust and value as it once did.
I could sit here and blame Televangelists and mega church scandals for the degradation of the title. I could point fingers and say it is the fault of this preacher, that religious leader or a certain group of “Christians.” But, in all honesty, I think I would be wrong. The problem doesn’t lie within those places. The problem, the blame, lies within you and me.
I look at it this way. We wear the nametag but don’t really know about electronics. Maybe we know, but are unwilling to take the take to assist the customers who have questions. Or perhaps we want to help, but don’t feel like we are good enough to help so we pass the customer off to another sales person.
Ok, enough of the retail jargon, but I think you get my point. All of these things lead people to lose faith in the title of “Christian.” They start to see us as fake, uncaring or just weak. The great thing is, we can change all of this, even if it is one person at a time.
First, we need to realize what it means to carry the mantle of Christ. We need to embrace the honor and responsibility that is associated with the nametag. We are a people chosen by God to carry his love and truth to a dead world. We have to live the lifestyle every day. Unlike my work nametag, the title “Christian” is not something we can just put on and take off. We carry it with us everywhere.
As believers, we need to show the love that Christ showed us. Jesus said “They will know you are mine by your love…” Love is the most important tool we have and the thing people will respond to. The lost will run from a sermon. But people will be drawn to love and to those who honestly care.
We need to know the Word and the one who gave it. Too many church goers are ignorant about what the Bible says. It seems that we all know the Sunday School stories or as the Apostle Paul called it in 1 Corinthians 3:2, “milk” but we don’t take the time to get to the “solid food”. We stay as babies, unable to have the tools or confidence to share our faith. But, as we begin to study and learn the scriptures, we gain wisdom and direction. Also, as it says in Psalms 119:11, we gain important strength of faith that allows us to continue to live a life pleasing to God. As we gain this strength, we will gain the confidence to live and share our faith with every. Like a river, it will begin to pour out into everything we do.
This is how we begin to redeem the title of “Christian” to this world. This is not some magic formula or an all encompassing cure. But, we have to make a start. We can no longer place the responsibility or blame on the “spiritual” leaders we see in the media. The responsibility and blame is our own. The change begins today. The change has to start with me and with you. And, as with anything we undertake in the name of Christ, we need to begin in prayer.
Father, I see the way your name and the name of Christ has been abused in this world. This is heartbreaking to me, and I want to bear your name and the name of Christ in the proper way. As I look at my own life, I realize that I have not always brought honor to the name of Christ. I am sorry and I want to change that. Right now, Jesus, I ask for the strength and guidance to bring honor and glory to you. I lay my own agenda aside and submit my life to you in everything. I know that with your love, change can happen in my life and in the lives around me.
Amen.
