SEARCHLIGHT
Can you define “Christian?”
SCRIPTURE
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me. You evildoers!" Matthew 7:21-23 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile,” so said Billy Sunday. Unfortunately, many people do believe that going to church makes them a Christian. When you ask the question, “WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?” you can expect a variety of answers. Some think being good is the answer. Others would say being kind, helpful, and generous like the Good Samaritan is the right answer. An extreme answer is becoming saintly. And don’t forget the people who believe “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Of course, there are people who believe a Christian is only someone who goes to “their church.”
Many people claim to be a Christian. Greece has a population of over 11,000,000 people. 90% of the population claim to be a part of the Greek Orthodox Church. 26% of them attend. There is a tremendous difference between what people claim to be and what people do. Do claims or actions make a person a Christian?
In the above Scripture focus, please note that Jesus is saying:
- Everyone who claims to be a Christian is not.
- Everyone who does religious activities is not a Christian.
- Everyone who does God the Father’s will is a Christian.
If you are like me, I certainly do not want to hear Jesus say to me, “I never knew you. Away from me.” So, what does it mean to do the will of God the Father? The answer to that question is the answer to the question, “WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?” The words “responds” and “reminds” provide a simple, Biblical answer.
A Christian is someone who responds to Jesus Christ. He or she responds to God’s love. You can be loved by someone and not be responsive. You cannot be a Christian without responding to God’s love. John 3:16-18 describes God the Father’s gift of divine love to everyone: “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes on Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Have you responded to God’s love by responding to Jesus? Note 3 ways you can respond to God:
- Responding to Jesus Christ is believing, like the jailor who was about to commit suicide. Paul and Silas said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.” [Acts 16:31] Do you believe who Jesus is, what He did, and why He did it?
- Responding to Jesus Christ is being born again, like Nicodemus. Jesus said, “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [John 3:7] Are you changed by inviting Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord?
- Responding to Jesus Christ is connecting. Being a Christian is not being religious but having a personal, life-changing relationship with God’s son. God’s will is that you personally know Jesus Christ the way you personally know your dearest friend on earth. Too many people do religious activities but do not have an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, the living God. Since believing and becoming born again, every day of my life is marked by having a heart-to-heart time with Jesus. I look forward to it and would not give it up for anything.
The second word describing a Christian is someone who reminds people of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.” [1 Peter 2:21] Does your life remind people of Jesus?
Note 3 ways you can remind people of Jesus Christ:
- Reminding people of Jesus is realizing you belong to God’s family. You live your life knowing you are a child of God. Peter said believers are chosen people belonging to God. [1 Peter 2:9,10] When you believe, you get to belong to the world’s biggest family.
- Reminding people of Jesus is realizing you are beautifully created and made. You live your life with purpose and passion to bring honor to God. God knew you before you were born, planned your life, and created you. [Psalm 139] Then God committed Himself to masterfully crafting your life. [Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6]
- Reminding people of Jesus is realizing you are reflecting your family. You live your life wanting to express the qualities of your Heavenly Father. You desire to please God in what you say and do. [Romans 12:1,2; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:17; 2 Peter 3:11]
WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN? First, a Christian is someone who responds to Jesus Christ by believing, becoming born again, and connecting with the living God. Second, a Christian is someone who reminds people of Jesus Christ by belonging, realizing you are beautifully created and made, and reflecting the qualities of your divine family.
SOMETHING TO DO
Be enriched by checking out the Scriptures cited above. You will discover just how much God really loves and cares for you.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a Christian. I choose to respond to You and remind people of You. AMEN!