1400) Anyone can say anything. I know this is a no-brainer but slowing down occasionally to consider this is useful. If you claim to be a hard worker, are you? If you claim to be a good father or mother, are you? Anything you claim about yourself can be stated, but the rub is, where is the evidence to back up this claim?

Jesus tells us in John 14:15 that the best evidence of whether we are committed to him is obeying his commandments. Essentially, Jesus is saying, “Put up or shut up.” Why? Because any association on our part with being a child of God can encourage or discourage others to or not to become followers of God.

Just as a person can tarnish the reputation of a business or family, we can also tarnish Christianity. Will we always do the right thing? Of course not but this is an opportunity for others to witness our repentance and making things right with the one (s) we have hurt.

If we claim to be Christians, we need to put up or shut up.