Being an honest Christian, a true believer and follower of Christ isn’t easy.
What does it mean to be a Christian?
When I proposed my first rendering of this invitation to a good friend, he suggested that I should celebrate the positive in God's direction and promise, rather than dwell on the negative and anger.
Giving his suggestion some thought, I realized that one of the most complex parts of being a follower of Christ is trusting Christ even when there is hurt and chaos all around me.
I don’t understand why people have so much hate in their hearts, or why people are so willing to cause pain and hurt, often for people they don’t even know.
But as a Christian, I know I must trust God and his promise and recognize the ugly hate around me as an invitation to share God’s word and live his example.
What does it mean to be a Christian?
If you judge others by the color of their skin.
If you judge others by their gender.
If you judge others by their situation.
If you judge others by their actions instead of their character.
If you value your life more or believe yourself to be superior to others
If you bully, abuse, or hurt others for your own personal gain or because your heart is full of hate.
If you preach hate without asking for forgiveness and striving to do better.
Are you really a Christian?
God’s instructions are clear.
To be a Christian, a true believer and follower of Christ
We are to love, forgive, and care for each other as we wish to be forgiven and cared for by God.
I think being a Christian means putting aside my arrogance, laying down my sword, trusting God, and following the example given to us in Jesus Christ.
I have a lot to learn, and invite you to learn with me as together we grow in understanding and love for God and each other.
Join the conversation so, together with God’s help, we discover what it means to be a Christian.