I love movies that grab my attention and make me think outside the box I tend to live in.

Many years ago, I watched a movie called Judgment. An apocalyptic movie, Judgment takes place during the soon-to-come Tribulation that will lead to the return of Christ. A believer in Christ named Helen is arrested and put on trial. Instead of charging Helen, the Antichrist’s government decides to charge God with crimes against humanity. The charge stated that if God were real, He could have stopped all evil events and tragedies in the world, and therefore, was guilty of harming the citizens of the world. The Antichrist wanted to make a bold statement that ended up backfiring on him when his prize arrest Helen escaped his clutches and the trial ended as a testament to Christ instead.

In my mind, the whole idea was appalling. How dare someone be so disrespectful to God Almighty? I could maybe understand Helen charged but God! While I pondered this, God brought an even bigger question to my mind, and I want you to ponder this question as well:

If you were put on trial today and charged with being a follower of Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Now you may immediately think yes to this question, but I want you to dig deep and think. Attending church, praying, and reading your Bible are great. However, these actions probably won’t be enough evidence to convict you. A good defense lawyer could easily argue away that evidence as general curiosity or someone forced to do something against his or her will.

I’m not downplaying those actions. These are essential parts of our everyday walk with Christ. However, we aren’t called to sit around a do nothing to further the Kingdom of God. Jesus gave us very specific instructions for what we are today once we decide to follow Him:

God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Did you notice the words “go”, “train”, and “instruct”? Those are action words and they are a command from Jesus, not a suggestion.  Our lives are to be devoted to these scriptures once we accept Jesus. We are to bring others into the family of God by bringing them the message of the Gospel.

How do we do this? We act and we make our faith apparent to others. We aren’t all called to be missionaries or to have a public ministry, but we are called to be examples, share the gospel, and live our faith for others to see.

The book of James makes a bold, and to some, controversial statement. James said, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17) We are saved by grace and no other action is required other than to believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior and accept Him into your life. But Jesus also said our faith is to produce good fruit (John 15:5). This means we take action to bring others to faith.

What actions are you taking now? Would a co-worker or even your friend be surprised to find out you follow Christ? Would they be a witness that you are a Christian or would they say they never knew because you didn’t act like one?

Persecution against followers of Christ will increase. At this time in parts of the world, people are put to death for following Christ. We are lucky to live in a free nation that allows us to practice our faith freely. As time progresses to the return of Jesus, this will become more and more taboo and you will face repercussions for following Jesus. The book of Revelation confirms the intense persecution believers will face:

When he ripped off the fifth seal, I saw the souls of those killed because they had held firm in their witness to the Word of God. They were gathered under the Altar, and cried out in loud prayers, “How long, Strong God, Holy and True? How long before you step in and avenge our murders?” Then each martyr was given a white robe and told to sit back and wait until the full number of martyrs was filled from among their servant companions and friends in the faith. Revelation 6:9-11)

There is no greater honor than to die for our belief in Jesus. Some of us will be called to be martyrs of the faith. The numbers of martyrs are racking up as I write this, and God will eventually say enough and Jesus will return. Are you going to shrink back and cower in the corner or will you stand firm when persecution comes?

If you were put on trial today and charged with being a follower of Christ, will there be enough evidence to convict you or will you be released with the charges dropped? Will you stand before Jesus and receive the victor’s crown or will you be a bystander?

Think hard about your actions. Do they show you follow Christ or do they show you follow the world? Make sure they have enough evidence to convict you of following Christ! Take action today and stand firm in your faith!