An Honest Advocate

Sometimes, the word “advocate,” is used to represent someone that stands up and in the place of another person when faced with a difficult situation. But if you are asked to describe precisely what an advocate is and does, it is sometimes easy to forget that an advocate is someone defined by their public support.

It is amazing to me how often Christianity is seen as a secret faith. We sometimes encounter people and leave asking the question, “I wonder if they are a Christian?” We see their kindness and their upbeat disposition, and curiosity overcomes us.

Not all nice people are Christians. Furthermore, not all Christians are nice people. Shame.

But Christians are not called to be a brand of spiritual double agents. A Christian’s life is should not be a two-way mirror, with two contrasting views. A transparent glass pane is much more preferred, allowing the viewer to see that God is on the other side!

In being a new creation (which all believers are), honesty is an important attribute. Being honest, is more than words said, but also a fiber of the character we hold (Proverbs 12:22). The apostle Paul addresses the standard when stating,

 “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:24-25).

Now what does this have to do with being an advocate? Strong public support of anything requires honesty in life. Without it, you are like a house of cards waiting for a gust of wind to carry it away. There are many public advocates who have fell prey to this situation.

Politicians, pastors, teachers, medical workers, etc. These fields and so many more are full of people who have advocated for the needs of others, while their need for healthy, self-nourishment falls short. We are called to personal honesty and Scriptural holiness provided by Christ alone.

From here, we can advocate and publicly support the lost, advocate for the hopeless, and bring the Gospel to a world that needs it.

Live blameless and shoot big when you share the Gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Timothy 4:5)!