Are you a Christian? This is a question that elicits a variety of responses with the most common response being, “I go to church” or “I was baptized…” Is this how our culture defines a Christian in today’s society?
Being a Christian, a follower of Christ, is more than a singular act followed by a series of irregular acts and a lack of commitment to the call. In the book of Acts Paul writes, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-46 HCSB)
When I read the words Paul writes in Acts I see devotion, fellowship, gifts and love. I see a church that is fully committed to one another, to the body and to the Father. For one to be devoted to something they’re all in, they’re loyal, faithful and the commitment is constant, not simply when it’s convenient. I see a church that fellowships with one another; they do life together. They don’t simply show up once a week for a feel good message, but they’re invested in the lives of one another experiencing highs and lows, studying the Word and praying together. I see a church that uses the gifts that God has blessed them with through the Holy Spirit. We don’t see “wonders and signs being performed” because we don’t see a church that is committed, open and accepting to the awesome things the Holy Spirit has for us. Lastly, I see love. I see a church that provides for one another; a church where nobody goes without and they serve each other in humility and with joy.
As a body of believers we talk a good game of wanting to be the church and of being a Christian, but are these actions reflected in your daily walk? I understand that life happens and we all face challenges daily to challenge our commitment, but I also know that it isn’t about me and what fits my tastes and my schedule. Bonhoeffer once said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die.” Yes, it’s harsh and yes it’s not always easy, but we were never called to live an easy life! 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
You will be tested and you will be pushed to the edge of what you think you can handle, but we serve a God that is greater than all and is more than sufficient to get you through. Remember, we are not called simply to convert, but to submit our lives wholly to the will of the Father. So let me ask you this question again, are you a Christian?
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