THE outward evidence of Christian identity, especially before those who do not believe, is right conduct. We cannot dodge this fact. Yes, many people engage in good deeds without faith in Jesus Christ. However, one cannot claim faith in Jesus Christ without good deeds. A deficit in either faith or right behaviour will be a cause for shame when Christ returns. We all must realize that true faith always results in good deeds; those who claim to have faith in Christ and who consistently do what is right are the true believers.

Of course good deeds cannot produce salvation (cf. Eph. 2:8,9), but they are necessary proof that true faith is actually present (Jam. 2: 14-17). Our lives should be a reflection of God. When our actions fall short of our faith, we discredit the Christian identity that we carry about.

We should daily grow to resemble the Lord, with the following being part and parcel of our daily experience:

i. Victory over sin

ii. Love for others

iii. Confidence before God

iv. Hope of eternal kingdom (salvation).

Our Lord, while praying for the saints in John chapter 17, said in verses 14-16,

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

With this in mind, our Lord then went on to pray:

John 17: 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Apostle Paul echoed this truth (that we are not of the world) in several places. Examples include Philippians 3: 20 and Ephesians 2: 6. But the Apostle was quick to remind us of the condition for maintaining this status:

Colossians 1: 19-23 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.