Christian?

I began this search because I encounter a lot of people that distinguish themselves as Christians. They inspired me to increase my understanding of the truth. What is a Christian?

I don’t ascribe to discounting the value or totality of something because some misrepresent whatever the thing might be. For example those that say, I don’t like christians because they are whatever. Or everyone that goes to church is… or anyone that doesn’t go to church is… I know some that despise the “church” as a whole for numerous reasons and those that believe if you don’t go to “church” you aren’t a christian. There are a host of other beliefs people have all while professing to be christians.  Hence the reason for my search, I desire to know truth. The facts of the matter. When I have ascertained truth then I can begin to make an informed decision regarding my own beliefs. I can honestly say I rely wholeheartedly on the Spirit of God to lead me in discerning what is truth. Which I confess was not always the case.

The word christian is defined as a person that believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ. At first thought that seems pretty simple and to the point. In the bible Jesus disciples were first called christians in Antioch. This wasn’t something that they called themselves. It was said because while observing the disciples it was determined that their behavior, activity and speech was like Christ. Keep in mind that the Antioch people were Jews and had knowledge of what the Christ was supposed to be like and perhaps some had personally experienced the teachings and miracles of Jesus.

The next time the word christian is recorded in scripture was King Agrippa speaking to Paul in response to Paul’s testimony of his encounter and revelation of Christ saying, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” King Agrippa’s comment was in direct response to the knowledge of Christ Paul provided in his testimony.

The last recording in the bible of the word christian was used again in reference to behavior. Peter wrote exhorting the people that if they were going to suffer let it not be because of being a busy body, a thief, a murderer, or evildoer but as a christian. Again, the word was used in reference to behaviors.

Today, the word christian is still associated with behaviors but has evolved into being more about religious duties, activities, association and affiliations not necessarily about Christ. Actually this is in stark contrast to what was originally meant when the word christian was used. During that time the word was about what knowledge the people had of Christ and their assessment that His disciples had behaviors like what they knew of Christ . Today people wave a banner informing others that they are christians and often in order to witness the said Christ-like behavior you would need to follow them to their church. And even then the behavior is more about religious duties and activities not Christ. My determination is based upon what I know of Christ Jesus.  He is the least religious person ever.

Now, here’s where I will probably depart from the masses. I once believed that being a christian meant that our beliefs were exclusive. I thought that our beliefs were not supposed to be combined with other teachings. However I now realize that based upon the definition of the word christian, people can and do believe in the teachings of Jesus along with teachings from various other wise people, spiritual leaders, prophets or whomever they determine is of value to them and incorporate all the teachings in their lives. Often this includes pastors and other leading “christian” leaders.  And they could rightfully distinguish themselves as christian. Because they believe in the teachings of Jesus. I know a lot of people don’t realize or accept that many followed Jesus for various reasons.  Many do the same today. People believe and attempt to follow the teachings of Jesus today also for various reasons.

I have come to know and understand that there is a vast difference between believing and following Jesus and Christ Jesus being within you. I also realize that the teachings of Jesus are not for the purpose of leading and guiding into becoming a good person. Although if one were to follow His teachings, their behaviors would be good. The purpose of His life and death is to reveal God. However, only God reveals God. Anyone can pick up a bible and read a verse like “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and put the verse into practice. Would they be a christian? By definition yes. Would they be Christ like? I would say no. Being like Christ is not something that can be done by the will of the mind or the arm of the flesh. It can only be accomplished by the Spirit of God dwelling within and this too according to His will.

Therefore I have decided to now determine christianity differently. I no longer look as they did in Antioch to determine who is a christian by activities or behaviors. I now look for Christ Jesus within me to led and guide me in all truth and to bare witness of Himself in me that He is also in whomever regardless of the name or affiliation someone ascribes to themselves. Lastly it is clear to me that at the heart of the word “christian” the intent was to acknowledge and recognize Christ NOT people. Unfortunately like most things this too has changed. However, knowing what is true gives us the opportunity to act accordingly. Consider and make your own determination.