I was sitting in the courthouse the other day and was staring at the N.C. State seal. On it is the state motto, ‘Esse Quam Videri’ to be rather than to seem. The quote comes from the Cicero’s essay on friendship. In the essay, Cicero basically says in his essay that the number of people who truly possess virtue is less than what it appears to be, so stop pretending. Our state in adopting this motto, had a desire that its citizens to truly possess virtue and integrity rather than just appearing to have them. This is truly an admirable motto for the state to have. We all need to be people of good character in order that we might live as a community. We need to be able to trust one another.

As I was thinking about the motto, I believe that it is vital that Christians understand and live the truth of it. We need to be Christians rather than seem to be a Christian. Jesus told us that this would happen, that there would be people who only seem to be a Christian. He said in Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Not everyone who professes faith in Jesus, possess faith in Jesus. They seem rather than to be.

So how do I know that I really am a Christian. 1 John gives us several tests to help us answer this question. Do I enjoy having fellowship with Christ and other believers? (1 John 1:3) Do I admit and confess my sin? (1 John 1:8) Am I obedient to God’s Word? (1 John 2:3-5). Does my life demonstrate that I love God rather than the world? (1 John 2:15) Is there a decreasing pattern of sin in my life? (1 John 3:5-6) Do I demonstrate love for other Christians? (1 John 3:14) There are other tests throughout 1 John so take time to read the book, and if you can answer yes to these questions, you are bearing fruit of the Christian life, for Jesus said, by their fruit you will know them.