My Wife and I were fortunate to be able to attend a Christian Music Festival recently in the Atlanta Area. The Festival was set-up in a beautiful section of a large State Park. We had an opportunity to sight-see and visit all the attractions in the Park and then drive over to the section where the Main Stage and Concerts were being held. There were thousands of people there to see such groups as Casting Crowns and 10th Avenue North among many others. It was hot and crowded, but it was such a joy to be around other fellow believers.
Earlier in the day, my wife and I were walking around other parts of the Park enjoying the sights and sounds and hiking down various nature trails. It was really beautiful. As we were walking around, a couple came up to us and said “can’t wait for the concert tonight; who is your favorite group?” My first thought was who was this couple and how did they know we were going to the Concert that night? I had forgotten that when we bought our tickets, we were given a blue wristband to wear which allowed us unlimited entry around all parts of the park, as well as the concerts. This couple had noticed our blue wristbands and immediately realized we were attending the concerts that evening and, most likely, were Christians. After my initial shock, we had a lengthy, friendly conversation and then went our separate ways. As we walked around, we encountered others with blue wristbands which really broke the ice and opened the door for many friendly conversations and chances to meet others. The blue wristbands stood out from the normal visitors to the Park and identified us among fellow believers.
It reminded me of my own Christian witness to others. No, I don’t wear a blue wristband everywhere and I don’t have a sign on my back that says “I am a Christian.” However, the Bible teaches that my life and my witness to others should leave no doubt that I am a Christian. We, as Christians, are called to be the salt of the Earth and the Light of the World. Our lives should stand out among the World, not in an arrogant way, but in a Christ-like way. The World is full of hypocritical lives and living; Christians shouldn’t be part of that argument. When others view our lives, we should be as consistent as possible, with God’s help, in our Christian Walk. We should always lead our lives in a manner that welcomes others in, not in a manner that pushes others away.
When others hear your name, what do you think is the first word that comes to their mind? Is it “Christian”? If not, you can change that perception today with God’s strength.
