The Answer:
I was pleased by the good number of people that looked at the blog, sent an email, or posted a response. The answers varied greatly from person to person. Some responded by accusing me of cheating. They claimed there was no difference. Others thought they saw something, but they were just not sure. I imagine some people didn't really care to take the time to examine both photos. Some of you were right, the truth is, there is no difference between the two photos!
Why would I do such a thing? Well, I wanted to prove a point. Scripture tells us that when we trust Christ as our Savior we are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) When we repent we should noticeably change in our attempt to be more like Christ. Sadly, today there are many people that claim to be Christians that don't look any different. I recently heard a friend ask a pointed question: "Are we as Christians today any different than the world around us?" Are we unique enough to stand out in the world today? Above you see two pictures, there's no noticeable difference between the two. Has there been a noticeable difference in your life since you started your personal relationship with Christ? How sad when we live in a time when the world would have a hard time noticing who is and who isn't a Christian. How sad when "church going folks" look just like their unsaved neighbors. Let's remember the truth of Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I sure hope that my life has been transformed so much by relationship with Christ that people see a huge difference. Let's make sure we are living as "AFTER" pictures for our Lord.
(By the way, I have to give credit to Sara, from Draper, Virginia. She guessed that the difference in the picture was all the Peruvians that had trusted Christ over the last number of years. I liked her answer! The only difference is that our church folks are truly living as "after" pictures. The community has really noticed the change in the lives of many after they trusted Christ. The change isn't something you can show in a picture but a change that truly brings honor to our Lord. )
