Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favour is better than silver and gold.
In 1980, I was a student attending the Commonwealth Bible College in Katoomba, New South Wales. Like most theological students, we discussed what was gleaned in lectures throughout the day. There was no end to debates and expressions of vision and idealism. There was an interesting discussion that came up once in a while. The question asked was, “If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to charge and convict you of living a Christian life?” Of course, this statement caused another argument. Someone would always say, “Anyone can pretend to be anything they want their outer persona to display. What is projected outwardly is not what is always happening in our hearts.” An actor can take on a role of looking beatific. However, being righteous is a God-given gift through Christ only.
This question came up again recently at one of our men’s breakfasts. Someone at the table had Googled my name and the search results produced pages showing my blog, books published, and other Christian-related items. No matter how much material that was listed on Google indicating that most likely I am a Christian, the argument remained the same. Only God knows the heart of man and whether or not Jesus is Lord of our life. Jesus knows exactly who we belong to and what we are made of. John 2:25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.
We only have to look at the fallen evangelists and ministers who ended up as headline news over the last couple of decades to see that pretending to be forthright and being forthright are two different things. Anyone who would have observed Jesus and his disciples would have assumed that Judas was one of the chosen good guys, and surely he was an honest man because he followed Jesus. The perception of Judas Iscariot’s spiritual walk would be measured by the fact that he had the money bag and could be trusted, therefore, a real man of God.
The choices Judas ended up making were his reality and would have relegated the perceived evidence of his honest life to the top of the rubbish heap. Prov. 22:1 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favour is better than silver and gold. Even walking as close as he did with Jesus for three years, Judas was not able to draw on the love and security that God made available. Even with Jesus in the room, Judas had left his heart open to the influences of the world and it cost him. John 13:2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
According to Google, I am an active member of the Christian community because I happen to have written devotional books that help Christians understand their faith. That description is not me. That is an algorithm’s program describing my activities. To sit back and let Google describe who I am because they classified me as a blogger, and writer, is not something I should put my trust in, or try to live up to. I am who the Lord says I am, and through Him only can I keep my righteous position in Christ. Yes, go ahead and Google me, but please see me for more than what the world system describes me as.
Go ahead and Google anyone, but do not put your whole trust in the description of what is recorded of them. People will sometimes say they are researching the person to make an informed decision about them. It is getting harder to evaluate anyone because of the collective bits and bytes moving at web speed. How much of it is true, and how much is real? 1John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
I have found that when you pray for someone, God will give you some insight into who they are by the very prayers that He is leading you into praying. If you really want to get to know someone, put their heart and soul on your prayer list. Eph. 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Thank God we are known by Him, and what the Lord says about us is the truth we have to work with. Google only knows my posted life. God knows my eternal existence in Christ. So if you really want to know me, pray for me. Amen!
Thank you Ian.
Blessings
Norm, The bible declares that their fruit you know a person. While google can report your activities, those people who read your writings experience you passion for living God's way. Blessings Ian
Blessings, peace, and victory on you and your family miss Jami.
I do pray for you, Norm Sawyer! And thank you for praying for me.