Love's Stamp of Authenticity

Friday, March 18, 2011

Reading: John 13:31-38

Reflection: Notice what is the defining mark...the stamp of authenticity...when it comes to discipleship. It is not our theology, our doctrine, our worldview, our church attendance, our morals and values, our income, positions or status that proves to the world that we are genuine disciples. What causes people to recognize us as the real deal is our love for other believers.

I find this interesting, particularly in a day when many Christians find it necessary to ridicule, or criticise, the church. Many of these people openly state that their problem with the church is that it is disconnected from the world; that the church is out of touch and too interested in doing its own thing to be of any value to lost people. It is popular for Christians in our day to suggest that they love Jesus but hate the church. However, according to Jesus, such a person is not an authentic disciple. A genuine disciple loves the church...in word and in deed. Remember that truth the next time you are tempted to run down a brother or sister in Christ.