Dear Friend,
You probably have heard the joke about one young lady who walked up
to a cashier in a bank to cash a cheque. On being asked to identify
herself, she was said to have brought our a small mirror from her
handbag, looked in it, and said, "its me alright" to a bewildered
cashier.
Quite funny, don't you think? Now let me tell you what is not a
joke. A serious business you never heard about. May I also plead
that you do not take it lightly. I'm talking about identity.
Identifying one's self is serious business.
Have you noticed that people do not respect men who sit on the
fence. The world only respect people whose stance or position is
established. Some have defined diplomacy as the art of saying
both `yes' and `No' in one breath. The essence of what I'm saying
her is that it could be better and more dignifying if you were
either saying `Yes' or `No'. Let people know your stand. There's
this saying that if you cannot stand for something; you'll fall for
anything. The place of identity is very important. Most especially
in issues regarding faith.
Many years ago, as a teenager, I wouldn't carry my Bible around the
way I do now for fear of being branded a fanatic. I paid dearly for
my inability to identify myself. I was a Christian quite alright but
peer pressure of teenage years had a hold on me. I gained more
respect and a new acceptance when my friends understood my position.
They were mindful of their language and topic for discussion in my
presence and would often secretly consult me on issues. Today by my
identifying myself, a number of them are Christians, even Pastors.
I daresay that identifying oneself may not necessarily require a
verbal proclamation. As it is often said, "Actions speak louder than
voice". The things we do and the way we do them often tell who we
are. Agreed that things may not always be what they seem. The
appearance only is what is required. Those who profess to be
Christians and do not live to show they are will always have their
conscience before the Almighty Father.
Some people say that their Christianity is private. They call
themselves conservative Christians. Fine! Faith is personal but what
about your lifestyle. Does it portray someone who is a Christian. A
life that is not Christ-like cannot be Christianly. If not
Christianly, it amounts to denying Christ.
"?But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny
before my Father which is in heaven". Matt. 10:33 (KJV)
IF THE WORLD lack anything today, I put it down to men. Men of
integrity. Men who are identifiable in their callings. Men who can
die for what they live for.
I, therefore, invite you today, my friend, to be one of those men
who are unashamedly identified with Christ. Remember, if you are not
properly identified you cannot cash that cheque of eternal life.
Thank you and God bless.
Yours Identifiably
SOLA