The One that Matters

It is not popular to be an outspoken Christian today.  Those that do speak out for Jesus or honor Him openly among those in the world are often poked out and prodded about their fanatical faith.  Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, for instance, has received a lot of ribbing lately, including some straight out criticism for kneeling in prayer on the sidelines of ballgames and mentioning Christ often.   I received an email from Franklin Graham yesterday in which he was talking about political correctness.  He said political correctness was the inability to say anything critical or to speak against any religion....except Christianity.   However, such response to Christ is not new; remember, they killed Him.   Before they killed Him and after He ascended, they continued to make His Proclamation as Lord an issue.   The Sanhedrin, the religious council rooting against Christ,  had as their greatest concern His announcement that He was the Christ, the Messiah that the people had waited for.  They did not like his statements about being the only way, the same with the Father, and his teachings that implied such truths.   After He ascended, they stoned Stephen, crucified Peter, and imprisoned Paul over the same issues.  Today, people don't mind if you say that you have chosen Christ in your life as your personal decision.  However, if you tell them He is the only way and that they need Him, it is a whole other matter.
I like the way Jesus addresses this in Mark 8.  He asks the disciples about people's impression of Him- who do people say that I am? After telling him some popular opinions, He asked the pivotal question in Mark 8:29- ...“But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”  (www.lifejournal.cc)   I love that question because, you see, when it comes down to you and your relationship with Christ, it really does not matter what other people say about Christ.  What really matters in your relationship with Christ is what do you say and live and share about Christ? Live for Christ, whether it is the popular trend or even if you are the only one...live for Christ.