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Article by Cameron Spink
Chris Judd is renown as the ultimate football player. He is an explosive midfielder to the point where he can almost single-handedly pull his team over the line. When he finally has a rest on the bench he is gasping for air. As football captains go he is sensational. His example courses through the team as each player tries to exemplify what he shows out on the field.
However, one thing should be noted about Chris Judd. He is very much the reluctant leader. He is quiet spoken and relies more on what he does on the field than what he says. For a football leader this poses no real problems and does not hinder his ability to lead his club.
Unfortunately this Chris Judd mindset has become part of our Christian culture these days. Too often I hear that Christians feel that within their work sphere or with their friends they should only “lead by example”. The logic here is that people will come to Christ because of the example you set.
Now leading by example is not a bad thing. In fact it is required. James tells us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). As Christians we should be leading lives that bear good fruits. However, we cannot hide our faith behind a purely example-based mentality. This discourages talking to others about ones faith and it becomes increasingly harder to take opportunities when they arise.
The legal institution is partly to blame for this mindset. We now have rules regarding appropriate ways to act at work. Some regulations that heartily discourage and some that do not allow at all. It is described as ethical behaviour to leave ones religious affiliations with their coat at the door.
Peer pressure is the other aspect that has created this silence. To be described as Christian has gone significantly out of fashion and tolerance has become the new fad. These two phenomenon coupled together have created situations where one should not mention what they actually believe to their friends and should just tolerate any lifestyle their friend chooses to live. As such, football and girls are discussed amongst male friends. Admittedly I have no idea what is discussed among female friends. The only thing that is taboo to discuss is the one thing that actually matters.
Now, frankly I believe my example is not that great. I am fraught with all kinds of sin and probably couldn't even convince myself to follow my example. By strapping ourselves to the gospel we are severely undermining the power of the message.
A better solution would be to continue to try and live above reproach and if you are asked about it inform the inquirer about God's work in your life. However, do not rest on these fleeting opportunities. One must actively seek to proclaim the gospel in all areas of life. In some jobs that may be difficult. My response to that would be whether there are other jobs that don't impose such rigorous muzzling restrictions upon you? However, is is not practical for Christians to just leave any such work place that does not allow active religious discussion. We need Christians growing the community for God everywhere and not just in the employ of the church. In such cases perhaps it is time to attack the rules that silence us. Remember, our identity is found in God and not within our social status. Those in the early church faced extreme consequences for aligning themselves with the truth, can we manage no less?
I go to some football games almost purely to watch Chris Judd play. He is electrifying and breathtaking. So now it is our turn to take the field. We are not the examples, we are the re-creations. Christ is the example. By pointing to Him we do not carry the onus of Christianity upon our own shoulders. Because in the end it is God who is awesome to behold. It is His game and He has given us great opportunities. Our lives are testaments, not merely examples of His grace. So why not let others know of His great glory?
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