And They Call Themselves Christians...

I hear all the time where people make comments like "And they call themselves Christians" and how Christians don't represent what they say they are, unfortunately, I have to agree…

Christian – means Christ follower –  However, sometimes it is every evident that Christ is not leading where we’re going and we may need to check ourselves.

In my personal walk, I am constantly checking myself (especially when I’m stirred up) that I am doing what God wants versus what I want.  Many times I want to counsel from my emotion instead of the Spirit of God and have to shut my mouth until God wins out.  I also try to honor God in all I do – if I think an action will dishonor God, I won’t be a part of it.  In other words, if it’s not okay with God, it’s not okay.

I believe if we call ourselves Christians, we should want to please God at all times, or else what’s the point?  As a Christian we should trust God with all things and believe he is way smarter than us, therefore knows what’s best for us – and our lives should reflect that belief.

I also believe that God calls us to love him first and our neighbor second.  If we love him like we claim, that will be reflected in every relationship we have. 

So in the case, when we fall short, which we will, it should be due to ignorance and not rebellion. 

Ignorance - we didn’t know any better – should draw us nearer to God – seeking out understanding. 

Rebellion - we knew better, but we did it anyway – separates us from God. 

A lot of times, we'll excuse our behavior but in the bible we see God’s anger toward the rebellious people, but mercy toward the sinner.  Sin becomes rebellion once we know it’s sin and we continue in it anyway.  God sent his son to die for our sins but sent his wrath to the rebellious nations.  So let's not kid ouselves.

Being a Christian isn’t being perfect, it’s admitting and not making excuses when we’re not.  If we call ourselves Christian, we should care if our lives reflect that title.  And if our lives don’t, we need to make it right. 

Let’s face it, God knows everything and we can’t play dumb and pretend we didn’t know.  So we need to walk according to what we know and seek out understanding on what we don’t so we can reflect Jesus in all we do and everywhere we go – thereby making the term “Christian” reflect it’s true meaning.    Hoping you all join me in being labeled more than a Christian - a Jesus Freak.