John the Baptist

The question for reflection today in our verses from Mark is referring to Mark 3:8. What does it mean to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance."?

My translation of Mark 3:8 is this: "Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God." Isn't this what people are always looking for? We want proof... We want proof that the gimmick we heard about on the infomercial is going to actually puree our food in 1.6 seconds flat, or that the knife can cut through glass. We want proof that the person we are in relationship means it when he/she says "i love you." As children, we want proof that Santa Claus has been in our house while we slept! Why would we believe in something if there is no "proof" to back it up.

If this is how we feel about the world, why does it surprise us that people are asking that question about our faith? Christians are always on the chopping block of hypocrisy. It seems that there are many a story out today about this religious leader doing something inappropriate, or that "girl who claims to be a Christian" cheating on her taxes. People want proof that what we claim to follow, actually makes a difference in the way we live our lives. There is no point it talking about all the great things that Jesus stood for, and lived by, and did for others if we are not going to actually strive to be the same. We have the opportunity to share God's love with our neighbors, our enemies, our family, even strangers. That's what Christ did. That was who Jesus was. And if we are claiming to be disciples of Christ, then shouldn't our behaviors model what He stood for? Should we be concerned about the poor? Shouldn't we want to help those who are lying on the side of the road? Shouldn't we feel deep grief when a good friend dies?

The more i study Jesus, the more i realize how difficult it is to be a disciple. But the more i study Jesus and attempt to put into practice the things he says, the more I realize how rewarding and freeing it is to be a disciple.

All of that being said, and i will confess that i have not be Christ-like today. I am tired, and frustrated, and difficult. I'm glad we are studying this book. I need these daily reminders, especially on days like today!

May your life be a reflection of Christ's life this day!
-Kelly