The renowned artist Paul Gustave Doré (1832-1883) lost his passport while traveling in Europe. When he came to a border crossing, he explained his predicament to one of the guards. Giving his name of the official, Doré hoped he would be recognized and allowed to pass. The guard, however, said that many people attempted to cross the border by claiming to be persons they were not.

Doré insisted that he was the man he claimed to be. "All right," said the official, "we'll give you a test, and if you pass it we'll allow you to go through." Handing him a pencil and a sheet of paper, he told the artist to sketch several peasants standing nearby. Doré did it so quickly and skillfully that the guard was convinced he was indeed who he claimed to be. His work confirmed his word!

Jesus said: "You will know them by their fruits" (Matt.7:16). Although He was telling people how to identify false prophets, the principle is just as true for believers. We too are known by our fruits (see Jas.2:14-26).

Someone has raised this heart-searching question: "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" We claim to be followers of Christ. Do our lives prove it?

This page was created on 22 May 1998 Last updated on 22 May 1998

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