By this all will know

That you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.A Christian is a footstep follower of Christ. Not only does he believe differently, but he also acts differently from the rest of the world.It affects their family life, their relationship with one another and with those to whom they preach.

It marks them as different from the old world. True Christians are “no part of the world” and do not devote their time, energy and finances to perpetuating it. They do not get involved in its political, social and international squabbles. They “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” knowing that it is the answer to mankind’s problems.

And, copying the example of Christ, they go from house to house in all parts of the world as witnesses, proclaiming “this good news of the kingdom.” Not as a pleasant pastime, although they find great joy in their ministry, but as the most important thing in their lives they pursue their service to Jehovah God as his dedicated servants.

Those who are a part of the old world are not moved by love of God nor do they long for his new world, but they bitterly oppose those who advocate it. The result has been the fulfillment of the words of Jesus: “You will be hated by all the nations on account of my name.” And the inspired apostle Paul added: “In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.”

To follow a Christian course in the God-defying old world requires faith. To be willing to swallow personal pride and humbly mold one’s thinking and life according to the truths one is shown from God’s Word, faith is vital. “Without faith it is impossible to win his good pleasure, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.”

But what is faith—the kind that is pleasing to God? One definition of faith given in Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary expresses the commonly accepted idea: It is “complete confidence, especially in someone or something open to question or suspicion.” On that basis, whenever a religious practice or teaching is called into question, the adherent says, “But you must have faith.”

And with such “faith” those who are a part of the religious system are swept along in unquestioning submission to the whims of religious leaders. Is it safe? “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Both will tumble into a ditch, will they not?”

Luke commended those who did not follow a course of “blind faith” when he said: “Now the latter [Beroeans] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest readiness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” The faith that one must have in order to win God’s approval is clearly defined in Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.”

Christians have faith in God. Not merely because as children they were told that there is a God, but because of overwhelming evidence to which they have given sober consideration, and which is an evident demonstration of the reality, God, whom they do not behold with their natural eyes. “For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are understood by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” (Rom. 1:20)

The psalmist David considered that evidence and was moved to say: “The heavens are declaring the glory of God, and of the work of his hands the expanse is telling,” “How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions.” Yes, do not be moved by “blind faith,” but open wide your eyes and behold the orderly movement of the heavenly bodies, the divine wisdom evident in nature, the intricate design and outstanding beauty of creation, because these are an evident demonstration that there is a Creator, that God is.

The night before he died, Jesus told his closest disciples: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” “Love one another” why is that “a new commandment”? The Mosaic Law had already commanded: “You must love your fellow or, neighbor as yourself.” But the new commandment calls for a greater love, a love that would move us to give our own life in behalf of others. Jesus himself made this clear when he said:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends.” The new commandment, in effect, says: “Love others, not as yourself, but more than yourself.” By his life and death, Jesus certainly exemplified such love.

Why is it important that we obey the new commandment? Recall again that Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples.” Yes, self-sacrificing love identifies a true Christian.

Look for the Identity of a true Christian.......................................