One of the recent buzzwords in the media is fact-check: to affirm the statements made about a topic or situation are true. That is my definition, not Webster’s or Oxford’s. Fact-checking is simply seeking the truth without the nuance of opinion.
Another recent buzz in the media is faith-checking. Notice I stayed shy of saying buzzword for faith-checking is a buzz, especially the faith checking going on about the President of the United States. Questions are abuzz about POTUS’s faith with politicos and media personalities wondering if he is a Christian or a Muslim. His own profession is that he is a Christian. If you listen or read enough you might find yourself asking the question yourself and even of yourself.
I wonder what faith-checking goes on when we make a profession of faith or a statement of who we are. Surveys routinely will ask “what religion are you?” or “to what faith community do you belong?” With a simple check mark we can declare a faith listed or choose “other,” but does that really say who we are?
I wrestle with faith checking as a pastor. I ask people when they come to profess their faith a series of questions; however, does that really make them who they say they are? I can call myself a ball player. Does it make me a ball player in the same sense as Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron? I can call myself a writer. Does it make me Shakespeare or Thoreau. I can say that I am a Christian. Does that make me Christ?
The early followers of Jesus were just that – followers. Eventually they became disciples, students of Jesus, students of His way. These followers then became the Way as the lived in the rule of Jesus as they had been taught. The early church then spread as the disciples shared the Way. Devoted followers heard and applied the teachings so well that the world looked on in awesome wonder. While we consider them Christians, they were more importantly followers and practitioners.
Jesus asked the disciple Peter, “who do you say that I am.” Peter answered, “ You are the Christ.” The disciple Thomas upon the resurrection appearance of Jesus cried out, “My Lord and My God.” Who do you say that He is? Moreover, who does your life say that He is?
I am not sure that me being called a Christian is going to mean much to Christ. I do confess that who I believe He is coupled with how I live out that belief will mean eternity. My confession of Lord and Savior, or Leader and Forgiver, or King and Messiah – they all change the way I live. My Lord, Leader, and King all signify the relationship I have with my master.
My Savior, Forgiver, and Messiah all signify the recognition that Jesus died for my sins. For this and all He is I am grateful, and I pray that whatever faith checking Jesus does, the way I walk with Him will be true to His Way.
My Lord and my God, may I this day walk in your way, loving as you first loved, serving as you served me. Amen.