Accused of Being a Christian...

Read I Corinthians 6:9-11

The stage is set. You tremble in your seat. You have become the defendant in the most anticipated trial in history. Newspapers are there, TV Cameras are shining and the crowds are innumerable. Your lawyer leads you through the mass of onlookers, trying to shield you from the taunts. As you enter the courtroom, you feel the finality of it all.
After a short wait that feels like eternity, the bailiff, in an obnoxiously loud voice, says, “All rise, court is in session.”
One last glance at your family sitting behind you, and one more look at the lawyers before you hear the judge that holds your future in his hands ask, “Do you know what you are charged with today?”
Upon your acknowledgement, the judge reads for the record, “The defendant, ___________________, is hereby charged with being a Christian.”
The plaintiff begins his barrage of charges stating that there is no way that you are a Christian. He lists things like the time you lied to your parents about stealing the cookies. Then there was the time that you called your sister a bad name. How about the time that you stole that car? Wasn’t it you that gossiped about Sally to Jimmy? I do believe there is record here of your being full of hate, wrath and envy. You have been testified against that you were uncaring and oftentimes even violent.
The plaintiff takes a step back to gather his thoughts and take a drink of water before he unleashes again.
He begins again. You were found at the scene of a murder. This was not any ordinary murder. This was a murder of the reputation. You willfully destroyed someone’s reputation by the comments that you made. You were found guilty of adultery, drunkenness and drugs. You were found with the mire of relationships gone bad. As a matter of fact, I find nothing in your record that would illustrate any aspect that you are a Christian.
Now it is your attorney’s opportunity to respond to the charges against you. You feel the sweat dripping down your spine, and your palms have become clammy even though it is very warm in the room. As your lawyer rises, the question becomes, “Will he have enough evidence to prove that you are indeed, a Christian?”

“It would assuredly make a difference if Christians, in their approach one to another, realized that, in spite of appearances, they were in fact one.”
- Roland Allen