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Vol. 19.06.44
Today's topic
made me remember a striking experience I had some few years back as an intern
in a medical diagnostic center. A certain elderly man came in for some consult
and ideally, the first thing was to profile him. In doing that, I was about to
write his name as Mr....and he was sharp to rebuke me that he was Rev....and
not Mr.... Perplexed but dutifully, I apologized and did as he instructed but
subsequently, I never stopped wondering who should be quick to give us this
spiritual identity, ourselves or the world? Who is in better position to call
me a Christian? Myself or my neighbor?
I don't mean to
cause a misconception as ability to openly and boldly identify as a Christian
is expected from a faithful follower of Jesus; after all we were charged to be
ready to identify with Christ and never be shy of the cross so as not to be
denied (Mark 8:38; Mathew 10:33). Moreover, it’s of essence for a true follower
of Jesus Christ to aptly identify his faith especially when found in alien
regions or in a mixed multitude. Nevertheless and without prejudice to the
above, our identity as a Christian should basically be from those closely
observing our lives and deeds and are convinced this is Christ-like. Recall in
Antioch when the company of believers were first bestowed with the prestigious
title of Christian (Acts 11:26), whether
or not this title came from believers or not we were not told but a closer
analysis inform that 'the believers were called Christians for the first time
in Antioch. This tells three things: 1. those that called them are most likely
not believers as the text would have rather read 'they called themselves
Christian for the first time in Antioch. 2. It is even more interesting that
the Christian identity was first obtained in a non-Jewish city. Antioch is a
Greek city and hence, is certain to be most populated by the then 'unbelievers
". Actually, the few pioneering believers in this city we were told came
there as a result of persecutions that erupted after Stephen was martyred.
"Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution
after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of
Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the
believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the
Gentiles about the Lord Jesus" (Acts 11:19-20).
What then shall
we say? It is not enough for me to call myself a Christian if my environment
does not recognize me as same. How will I be recognized? Simply by my words,
deeds and dealings with others. These are the major emblems that should first
speak out a Christian's identity. People must be able to readily identify my
faith by my conversation; by what I say and what I don't. When it becomes
difficult to identify clearly a Christian after few minutes of engaging in a
conversation, then something is wrong. This is not a matter of he introducing
himself as a Christian (of course anyone can claim anything) but being able to
pick from his words where he belongs.
After all, bible says; ‘out of the abundance of the heart, the
mouth speaks’ (Mathew 12:34).’ Let
your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right
response for everyone’ (Colossians 4:6). ‘Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good
and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them’
(Ephesians 4:29).
Another major
lesson from the Antioch naming was the fact that Christians were first named
among the gentiles or the so called ‘unbelievers’ if you want to be direct.
Antioch was a Greek province and hence we expected to find mainly the Greeks
who as at then were regarded as the unbelieving gentiles. So it becomes more
interesting that those who first gave the name where most likely gentiles. The
name actually must have come from a deep reflection on the conducts of the
disciplines and they were convinced they exhibited Christ-like attitudes. A
deep reflection because the Greek were quite meticulous and always seeking
after that which brings or reflect wisdom (1 Chor 1:22:’For
the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom). Therefore,
what could make the people of Antioch to see Christ-like characters in the
apostles to be able to call them Christians should also be seen in us today by
people of the world. What then do the Antiochians saw? Christ-like attitudes
which can be attested to in Acts 2:44-47
44 And all that
believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their
possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.46 And
they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from
house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the
church daily such as should be saved.
Shalom
Ogunsuyi
Opeyemi B.
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