This week I was having issues with my children regarding lying and it being in opposition to the teachings of Jesus. What else to do but turn to a sports metaphor. Here's how it went:
Let's just say that I am a New York Yankees fan. (My little Red Sox looked at me in horror!) One day I go to Fenway Park and watch the Red Sox play. I am enamored with all that is the Red Sox, from Fenway Franks to the Green Monster, and I pledge then and there that from that day forward I will follow the Red Sox.
The next day and the days after that, I wear my Yankee blue, read the box scores for the Yanks, listen to NY radio, and cheer for the Yankees regardless of the opponent, including the Red Sox. Yet, when asked, I say I am a follower of the Red Sox.
I continued, I am a Clemson Tiger. There is no way anybody could ever confuse me for a stinky South Carolina Gamecock. My allegiance is bold and unwavering! I taught my girls the fight song as soon as they could talk; I take them to Clemson events; I dress everybody in orange; and we never, never, never, ever pull for the Gamecocks.
So faith without works is the same. If I go around lying all the time, that is not "wearing" my Jesus (aka Red Sox/Tigers) jersey. It is consistent with the other team (and we all know who that is!). Following Jesus is active and fanatic! When we say that our allegiance is with Jesus, our actions must not only back it up but also be a natural outflow of our identity in Christ. After all, we will know them by their fruits.
Let's just say that I am a New York Yankees fan. (My little Red Sox looked at me in horror!) One day I go to Fenway Park and watch the Red Sox play. I am enamored with all that is the Red Sox, from Fenway Franks to the Green Monster, and I pledge then and there that from that day forward I will follow the Red Sox.
The next day and the days after that, I wear my Yankee blue, read the box scores for the Yanks, listen to NY radio, and cheer for the Yankees regardless of the opponent, including the Red Sox. Yet, when asked, I say I am a follower of the Red Sox.
I continued, I am a Clemson Tiger. There is no way anybody could ever confuse me for a stinky South Carolina Gamecock. My allegiance is bold and unwavering! I taught my girls the fight song as soon as they could talk; I take them to Clemson events; I dress everybody in orange; and we never, never, never, ever pull for the Gamecocks.
So faith without works is the same. If I go around lying all the time, that is not "wearing" my Jesus (aka Red Sox/Tigers) jersey. It is consistent with the other team (and we all know who that is!). Following Jesus is active and fanatic! When we say that our allegiance is with Jesus, our actions must not only back it up but also be a natural outflow of our identity in Christ. After all, we will know them by their fruits.
Posts
