RELIGIOUS REPUTATIONS

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.  Romans 1:8

            Rome was the center of the world in New Testament times.  Whatever happened there became known.  The happenings inside Rome were the daily newspaper the world read. 

            The Christians were known for their faith because they were visible, authentic, and active.  Paul was thankful for their reputation which tells me that their faith was the real thing, rooted in Jesus Christ. 

            Religious reputations of many kinds abound, even in so-called Christianity.  Our world today is a fish bowl because of current technology.  If something tragic happens on any corner of the globe, it can be filmed and reported within hours.  People are interviewed and many, in hard times, talk of the importance of their faith.  They can be New Age, Buddhist, even Christians, but I often listen and hear them speak of ‘faith’ in vague terms.  “My faith is important to me and is getting me through this.”  Hearers can be inspired, think well of them, but their testimony revealed little.  They can have faith that whatever they are experiencing is a phase.  They can have faith in themselves or in the goodness of people who extend charity during times of crisis.  Be assured this is not the kind of faith Paul is praising the Roman Christians for. 

            Unless faith is well placed, it is meaningless.  Anyone who places their faith in Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, L. Ron Hubbard, Mohammed or any other self-proclaimed deity, has an empty faith; one which will lead them to an eternity separated from God.  Faith in Jesus Christ was what carved out the stories that circulated the Roman Empire, so much so that Claudius the Emperor expelled Jewish Christians from the city.

            Rest assured that the world, at that time, was not regarding a Christian as a religious person.  Religious people are pious, self-impressed, aloof, and seek to create a reputation that centers on being respected.  Religion brings the smell of death.  My faith in Christ is not about me, it is all about Him.  I do not have faith because I am a good person.  My faith is needed and active because I am not, and He is.  If others speak well of me apart from Christ, I should be scrambling to correct them and give glory to Whom glory is due. 

            Faith in Jesus Christ creates humble spokesmen.  They are meek, yet unmovable, willing to die for the reputation of their Savior if He is maligned in any way.  Real faith is active, loving without reason, forgiving recklessly, and serving others because Jesus did.  This spreads like wildfire and the church of Jesus Christ can not be stopped. 

For what am I known?  Is it all about you, in me?  Strip away all self-serving, Lord.  Amen