Evidence

I like  CSI/NCIS shows and something I have noticed is how often the word 'evidence' is used. There seems to be two kinds of evidence; hard evidence and circumstantial evidence. Hard evidence is what is needed to offer some certainty of guilt while circumstantial evidence may suggest guilt but doesn't prove guilt.

Likewise, our lives as followers of Jesus are proved by evidence. Too often the evidence we offer is merely circumstantial. We attend church regularly, behave as good citizens, practice good hygiene, and give to good causes. All of these and more are just circumstantial evidence. So what is the hard evidence of a relationship with Jesus? The apostle Peter tells us...

"... always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, " (1 Peter 3:15)


It appears that hope is hard evidence. For someone to ask about our hope they must first recognize it in us. Do our attitudes, words and actions reveal hope or fear. Do they suggest confidence concerning the future especially when circumstances would allow otherwise. I'm afraid that many who claim the name of Jesus have put more of their hope in their wealth or a political stance than in Jesus.

Jesus gives us another piece of hard evidence when he says...

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
(John 13:35)
Love is the other key piece of hard evidence that proves our guilt as followers of Jesus. Why are so many telling of how they have been hurt by the church? The bible tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves yet this is interpreted to mean send a check to someone far away. How many of us  would rather turn away from someone who is hurting rather than risk getting our hands dirty and our reputations tarnished loving someone who, by most accounts, doesn't deserve our love. (see the parable of the Good Samaritan) We seem to forget the we are undeserving of His love for us. You see love is a great evidence because we can't generate this kind of love. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4) We have the ability to love the unlovable because we have experienced His love for us!

With this in mind the question  has been suggested by another, and paraphrased ' If we were on trial for being a follower of Jesus would there be enough hard evidence to convict us?'

I wonder...

Gotta go, CSI is on.