Is Your Faith an Inspiration to Others?

Christmas is drawing near and ‘all attention’ is on Christians. People want to see how we behave. They don’t care so much what we say if it doesn’t match how we behave. Do we go through each day preoccupied with pleasure rather than focusing on divine discipline? We say we are Christians. When people see us on the street, can THEY say we are Christians?

Over the centuries, especially during times of persecution, the lives of Christians was the only gospel nonbelievers witnessed. In many cases, nonbelievers witnessed the loving acts of Christians with awe and were inspired to ‘look into’ this man called Christ. Some were converted instantly when they witnessed the martyrs refusing to deny Christ.

Saint Callinicus converted when he witnessed the faith of Saint Thrysus. In an era of hatred against the Church, these two (among countless others) were a witness to Christ and often they death was the cause of conversions to Christ. You can read a brief example of today’s saints here.

Like the ancient Church I believe we are living in times when many are fighting against the Church and against Christ. In the name of freedom, justice, and rights, we find ourselves outsiders in a society that once honored the Church as central to society. Today, the Church is, at best, tolerated as a charitable institution like any museum. In fact, many would rather our Churches became museums and remained quietly situation on the corner.

The difference between museums and Churches isn’t what people see inside. It is what people do outside. Museums are a place of the dead past, important only for historical purposes. The Church is a place for the living God and His people to interact with each other. We call this living in communion with God, and it has an impact on how we live among nonbelievers.

As society tries to convince us to stop worshipping God, our witness will either testify to our faith or to our hypocrisy. Saint Paul’s advice to Saint Timothy in today’s Epistle reading expresses that we must not participate in the sins of others. We must work hard to keep ourselves pure.

Timothy, my son, do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor participate in another man’s sins; keep yourself pure. No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some men are conspicuous, pointing to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good deeds are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden. Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be defamed. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brethren; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these duties. If any one teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit, he knows nothing; he has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among men who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this. 1^st Timothy 5:22-25; 6:1-11

We hear clearly from Saint Paul that our actions reveal our hearts. Our actions will “point to judgment” whether our actions are sinful or righteous. Just as the actions of Saint Callinicus were righteous and lead others to join Christ, our actions will be judged by those watching. What will they see?

Times are changing in our society. There will come a time soon, when Christian behavior will no longer be tolerated if it conflicts with the ‘popular morals’ of the day. It is important that we take notice of the similarities of the past persecution and today. It ‘wasn’t enough’ to leave pagans alone. Christians were forced to participate in pagan worship or be killed. The time will come, some say it has already come, when ‘leaving others alone’ won’t be enough. We will be expected to participate and honor the behavior of others or be cast out.

When the day comes, and you are challenged to be Orthodox or be cast out, what will your behavior say about your faith? Will it inspire others to join the Church, or will it be a witness to hypocrisy? One thing is sure. In that day, your behavior will ‘point to judgment’ whether you like it or not.