What is a "Christian"?

What is a "Christian"? People around the world think different things when they hear the term. Throughout history some horrible things have been done by so-called "Christians", and today movies and T.V. shows often paint their own portrait of what they think a Christian is.

The word Christian simply means "Christ-follower". Sadly, many today who call themselves Christians are not really following Jesus Christ at all.

To better understand what it really means to be a Christian - a true Christ-follower - we must turn to the words of Jesus Himself:

"Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." - Matt. 16:23-24

"Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." - Matt. 6:31-33

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." - Matt. 28:19-20a

Jesus' Disciples were the first Christ-followers. Here is what they said about their journey following Christ:

Paul - "a bondservant of Jesus Christ" Rom. 1:1; "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20

Peter - "a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ...as His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and goldiness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." II Pet. 1:1,3-4

John- "Whoever keeps His Word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." I John 2:5-6

Following Jesus is a life-long journey. It begins at the New Birth, and continues through the Christian's life. Being a Christ-follower does not mean you are perfect. If you fall, get right back up. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. You are working towards a goal of becoming more Christ-like, loving people the way Jesus loves, and living your life God's way.

Today, give your heart and your life to God afresh and anew. If you haven't been on the right path, take a step back onto the path of following Jesus. Join the Journey!