Happily Guilty By Association

Happily Guilty By Association

By: Jacob Sok

There is an old adage I have heard, saying, "Call me whatever ya' like, just don't call me late to dinner".  I have been called many of things in my lifetime, ranging from Jake to Chico-Pollo (Chicken-Little in Spanish). I have been accused of singing in the shower, jumping in the rain, procrastinating homework, and occasionally watching a romantic comedy (the later claim-- coming from my 3 sisters, mother, grandmothers, father, and brother in law). Of course I speak in good fun,  and I hope you will all pardon a bit of humor; but of all the titles, accolades and accusations, there is one thing I pray that if anything and above all else, that my life could be associated with is that of loving Jesus Christ. 

I was touched this week in reviewing passages of the New Testament, of Paul's noble and unapologetic witness of the Savior to King Agrippa. As previously foretold by the Savior Himself, whom visited Paul, while imprisoned-- telling him to, "Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome" (see Acts 23:11). Paul taking this charge begin to pass through a series of dramatic and quite intense events, leading to his eventual appeal and appearance to Cesar in Rome. As part of his journey to Rome, he is brought by enraged Jewish citizens to the local authorities, for his teachings and ministry. This yields the encounter before King Agrippa, who takes personal interest in Paul's case, which will be brought to the attention of Rome's elected officials. It is here in their dialogue, where the heart of what I feel to share with you is to be found. 

The King regally conducts the exchange, saying to Paul, "Thou art permitted to speak for thyself." (see Acts 26:1). To which then Paul "stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself." (see Acts 26:1 emphasis added). Paul profoundly accounts, "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things wherefore I am accused of the Jews" (see Acts 26:2 emphasis added).

Paul gives testimony of his great conversion story, begining from his his time a Pharisees, to his personal encounter with the Lord on the Road to Damascus, where upon he received his apostolic calling. He shares with the king, that he was called of Christ to minister to the people, and share His name and gospel to all the world, "that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among which are sanctified by faith that is in [Christ]." (see Acts 26:18). He witnesses to the king, that he followed that charge given him, and has been brought before the courts, accused of being a servant of Christ. (see Acts 26:19-21). 

While there is much to be learned from the events rehearsed by Paul to King Agrippa, and his conversion story in truly one of the most inspiring accounts of biblical history; I for one wish to emphasize another part of this episode. I love Paul's words and spirit, as he boldly declares that he was happy to be accused of the charges accredited to him; that of being a servant of Christ, associated with His gospel and message of hope and healing. He, as the scriptures share, joyfully 'answered for himself', standing with and for Christ amidst the looming pressures of the world. 

I pray the Holy Spirit will accompany the heart of what I hope to express, and that is I pray to be accused of believing in Christ, and I would hope to have the courage as Paul to gladly admit of being 'guilty as charged'. I have been associated with, everything from the Boy Scouts of America to a Star Wars fan, but by the time my mortal sojourn ends I pray that if, when, people think of me, they will think of Christ; not because I believe myself worthy to be an equal in anyway to Him or by any means deserving of praise or recognition-- but rather I hope if people could link anything to me its that Jacob Sok, loves the Lord, and I would happily stand accused of that any day. 

Again I say that in spirit not of seeking accolades or fame, not even approval of my peers. I just pray that I can by the time my life is through have earned the privilege of be accused of believing Christ, trying serve love and heal as He would, teaching and sharing as He does, and being a conduit for those around me to feel of His love for them. Elder Jeffery R Holland once shared the commentary "If in a court of law, if accused of being a Latter-Day Saint, would there be enough evidence to convict you?". I hope that through the atoning power of the savior I can become more like, Him, and truly develop a character similar to His. 

I would like it absolutely clear, that even in my imperfect and rather weak and feeble attempts to achieve what I can out of this life; that I in recognition of all that, I still which to express that I love Jesus Christ, and I know in my own humble and simple way that He is the Savior of the world, and I would count my self lucky to be guilty of association with Him whom I love. I hope and pray His mercy and grace upon us all, for heaven knows I need them too. He loves you, that I know. He lives. I hope that those around me, will find the evidences sufficient, through the way I try to love, improve, and serve others-- to accuse me of that hope I hold on to.

Amen. 

Sources:
-New Testament, Acts 26
-"Unless, You're a Mormon" By Elder and Sister Holland, BYU Speeches.
-Google Images/ LDS Gospel Art.