I know nothing about precious gems. I have never held one in my hands, let alone owned one. I would not be able to identify a real diamond as opposed to a fake one.
The Bible gives us lots of ways to identify a true believer in Jesus Christ. Lots of people claim to be followers of Jesus, but something doesn’t add up when we look at them. We are told that true believers will do good works and bear fruit.
Paul gives us more clues as to identification of real Christians. I Timothy 1:5 says, “The purpose of my instruction is that all Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.” So we can know a true disciple by his/her love. Jesus said the same thing in John 13:34-35; “So I am giving you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Secondly, the true believer will have a clear conscience, because he/she has been acting out of love for others and for Jesus. Thirdly, the true believer will have a sincere faith. When faced with troubles or decisions, the true believer will act through trusting in God.
The attributes of pure love, clear conscience, and sincere faith help us to identify true believers among those around us. But they can also be the basis of testing our faith. Do we measure up, or is there something that we should confess and ask God to correct in us? And these attributes form the foundation for our teaching of others.
Reluctant Retiree 