T-Shirt Christian

Bible Reading: James 3:13-18

“It’s not my turn to take out the trash. Do it yourself!” José yelled at his brother as he slammed the door and stomped down the steps. He looked up to see Kegan, his new neighbor, leaning against the gate and watching him.

“Hi, José. Why are you always yelling?” Kegan asked.

José scowled. “None of your business.”

Kegan pointed at the shirt José was wearing. “I’m a King’s kid,” he read. “What does that mean? Your dad’s a plumber.”

“It’s talking about God,” said José. “I’m a child of God—a Christian.” He picked up his bat and glove. “I’m going to the park to play ball. You want to come?”

“Sure,” said Kegan. “Can I pitch? I always pitched on my old ball team. I get lots of strikeouts.”

“Really? Okay! If the other guys agree, you can try it,” said José.

When the game began, Kegan pitched. The first three batters walked, and José began to doubt Kegan’s pitching ability. At the end of the second inning, they were behind six to one, and they replaced Kegan with their usual pitcher.

Back home after the game, José told his mom about Kegan. “He’s just a bunch of talk. He wouldn’t know a good pitcher if he saw one—and I told him so too,” José said in disgust.

Mom raised her brows. “I wonder if he’s thinking you and he are two of a kind.”

“Why would he think that?” asked José.

“I heard you talking to Kegan this afternoon, José,” said Mom. “I heard him ask why you yell a lot, and he asked about your shirt. I also heard your response. You told him you’re God’s child.”

José shrugged. “So? That’s good, isn’t it?”

“Kegan claimed to be a pitcher, but you think he’s just a bunch of talk. You say you’re a Christian, but I wonder if he thinks you’re just a bunch of talk too.” José looked a bit startled. “It’s fine to let others know you’re a child of God through the words on your T-shirt,” Mom said, “but you need to be more than a T-shirt Christian. Your actions need to match those words.”

José nodded. “I guess I’d better go apologize to Kegan.”

Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Do your actions match your words? It’s great to speak up and tell others you’re a Christian. That’s an important part of witnessing for Jesus. But the way you act is equally important. Letting people know you belong to Jesus involves more than T-shirt advertising. Let others see His love and grace in everything you do.

Today’s Key Verse: James 3:13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Witness through words and actions