.jpg)
I was absolutely fascinated by the recent Pew Research poll. Imagine yourself as a practicing Christian, and 46% of the people who knew of you, couldn't tell what religion you were.
That's the statistical fact regarding President Obama according to a group of 3003 people during the period from July 21, 2010 to August 5, 2010. (To see the Pew Research Center's details, click here.)
Politically, I have no doubt his mixed signals are giving rise to his increasing numbers who think he really is (underneath) a Muslim. Of course that is easy to prove false by his worship practices and his own testimony regarding his "collective salvation."
Then, it hit me. What would my statistic be among people who knew me, but did not know my background? What percentage of my acquaintances would know I am a Christian? I'm afraid, my numbers would probably be lower than Mr. Obama's. Embarrassing to say? Of course.
You are probably like me. When we get into the car, we get impatient with slow people. We get aggravated with people who are impatient (Is that a conflict?). Then we we arrive at, say… the grocery store, is there really any way that people would notice that we are Christians? I betcha you are just like me… in such a hurry to get things bought and back home, we keep our conversations short, and our face appears to be pleasant, but hurried. Am I wrong?
About six months ago, a connection within my steering wheel broke which rendered my horn inoperable. How many times do you suppose I wanted to honk at people who irritated me on the road, but couldn't. It was actually another item which frustrated me, so I would yell at people while driving down the road!!!! I mean, I wouldn't do that to them in person. Why? Because I'm a Christian who has moral guidelines of behavior. So, is there a scripture which gets me excused from the shouting inside my vehicle? Sorry… nada.
No wonder our statistic is probably lower than the President's.
Jesus says we are to be salty. (Mat 5:13) Hey! I even live in Saline County! I'm supposed to be salty along with all the other citizens here, aren't we? We're in the Bible Belt for goodness sake! Salt!
We are to be like a city on a hill which cannot be hid from sight. (Mat 5:14) Why is it we pray to be a city of light on Sunday, and then pray for fog on Monday?
We are to be the light! (Luke 11:33) Yet we keep our handy-dandy "pocket basket" ready and available so when our light begins to draw attention, we can dim the lights a bit, so it doesn't stand out so much. Why is that?
Ok, that's it. I'm hoping you join with me in this pledge.
I pledge to be an Obvious Follower of Christ.
To keep my recognition percentage high in public.
I pledge to burn my bushel basket and never carry it again.
I pledge to let the Light always shine in me.
To make my city on a hill, the place people recognize easily.
To be salty, salty, salty.
Which means to be an obvious reflection of Jesus, every day.
My morals will be impeccable.
My standards will be high.
My acquaintances will always know who my Master is.
I will live my life fighting the good fight;
So that all might know, the redemption I have received is real.
To stand up for the weak.
To redeem the bully.
To embrace the stinker.
To laugh at Satan's attacks.
And above all, to love my brothers in Christ. (John 13:35)
I pledge to be an Obvious Follower of Christ.