WOULD THERE BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE?

Are you a Christian? How many people know it?

Years ago I purchased a couple of records (yes, vinyl!) made by a unique - some would say just plain weird - Christian singer named Gary S. Paxton. Never heard of him? Maybe you've heard some of his music. This is the guy who, before he became a Christian, collaborated on such pop "classics" (yeah, right!) as "Alley Oop," "Monster Mash," and "That Honeymoon Feeling."

On his second Christian album, he included a song called "Evidence," in which he asked, "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" He wasn't the first to pose that question. Paxton may have heard it from Billy Graham, who frequently raised a similar question in his early crusade preaching.

Still, the lyric is penetrating to ponder.

Let's imagine you or me going to court on the charge, "This person is a Christian." Of course, to convict, the charge would have to be proven.

Among the so-called evidence that would not be accepted in court would be items like jewelry, clothing and bumper stickers: the genuine mark of a Christian is not a cross around our neck or a fish sign on our car.

The only evidence that would count would be the features and behaviors of your life.

Would your ministry participation in and through your church be such that it could be used as evidence? What if the authorities searched your vehicle or your house: would they find anything incriminating? What would they find if your bank statements were brought before the court? Any evidence of Christianity there?

Suppose the prosecution subpoenaed a record of the TV shows you watch: what would that say about your commitment to Christ? What about the magazine subscriptions, or the websites you visit?

If the people who know you were called to testify under oath, what would they offer up as evidence? After interviewing your boss, co-workers, neighbors and family, would the court convict you of being a Christian, or would they dismiss the case?

Long before Gary Paxton came along, the pre-Christian conqueror Alexander the Great had an encounter one night with a young guard. Unable to sleep, Alexander rose and took a stroll around the camp of his bivouacked army. Approaching one of the guards quietly, he realized the soldier was asleep at his post. Incensed, the great commander asked the young man his name.

Sleepily he replied, "Alexander, sir. The same as yours."

Now even angrier, the general shouted, "Well, that won't do. You're either going to have to change your name or change your behavior. I won't have you carrying my name and acting like this!"

I wonder how often our behavior, as those who carry the name of Christ, must make Him want to say the same thing to us.

So, I ask again: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"