Christians On Trial

About a week ago, my husband repeated a question to me that a minister had asked of his congregation. The question was this: "If you were arrested today, and the charges against you were that you were a Christian, would the prosecutor have enough evidence against you to convict you?" I must say, this question had me thinking. Obviously, in this country is not actually a crime to be a Christian, but if it were.....

Now I am by no means a legal expert, but I do know that here in the US, for a murder charge, there must be "proof beyond a reasonable doubt". Assuming that the same is true for all "crimes" would there be enough to convict you?

Is there evidence of your "crime"?
Do you have a bible in your home, and do you read it often? Do you fellowship with other believers? Or do you only maybe have a bible sitting on a shelf somewhere, and call yourself a Christian? Do you spend time in prayer each day?

Have you confessed to the "crime"?
Have you confessed to God your sin and your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you confessed and repented of your previous sinful life? Have you confessed to anyone else that you have done this? Do you call yourself a Christian?

Are there any witnesses to your "crime"?
Do others see you acting as a Christ follower in your day to day life? Do you minister to others? Do you share what you know about the Lord with anyone? Would someone else "testify" that they know you to be a Christian? Do you have a "rap sheet" showing your propensity to be Christ-like? Has anyone seen you pray?

Are there any co-conspirators to your "crime?"
Is there anyone that has come alongside you in your faith walk? Have they helped you to be a Christian? Have you helped them? Do they know that you are a Christian?

Do you have an alibi?
Have you really ever been to the "scene" of your "crime"? Would the defense have anything that could be used as proof that you are not a Christian, or that you are not fully a Christian? Perhaps a lifestyle choice you have made that is contrary to what God has called us to be?

Do you have an "insanity" plea?
Now this one may seem a trick question, because I know for myself anyway, that I AM crazy for the Lord, but that's not what I mean. Is there some way that your defense could prove that you "don't mean it" or "didn't realize the 'consequences' of your decision"?

Now, I realize, I've used all negative terms to describe what being a Christian would mean, if we were put on trial for it. I also realize that this is not an exhaustive list of what might constitute proof of Christianity in a court of law. In fact, there is only one item in this list that proves that you are a Christian, and that is your confession to God and acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and repentance of your sinful life. However, we must realize that though for now, there are no bad consequences (at least not here in the US) for being a Christian, there will come a time when we WILL all be judged for either rewards or eternal damnation. So ask yourself..."If you were put on trial, would you be convicted?"

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