What does it mean to be a Christian? What does Christian mean to you? What are Christians? How do you become a Christian? Why does it matter?

“Christian” is an adjective, not a noun. It’s a term used to describe one who behaves like Christ. It was a derogatory term used by the pagans to describe the disciples of Jesus. Though the name was first given with the intent to disgrace, the followers gloried in it, as an expression of their faithfulness to Christ, and they soon generally accepted it. -[Watson’s Bible Dictionary]

Today the term is loosely used to describe anyone who is remotely associated with some sort of religion that mentions Christ. The term Christian has lost much of its original meaning.

Christian defined: To be like Jesus. To behave like Christ. To be Christlike.

To be like Jesus, you must know Jesus. His spirit and your spirt must be as one. It’s all about your heart, not your head.

Many people seem to believe going to church makes them a Christian. Some believe being affiliated with a religious group, or just believing in God or “The Man upstairs” makes you a Christian. Or maybe, reading a bible makes you a Christian and thus, going to heaven. How many have heard this said; “This is a Christian nation. We’re all Christians!” (Really?)

Truth is, none of these are right. None of these make you a Christian. None of these get you into Heaven.

A former coworker once told me, he’s good because, his wife goes to church and brings enough religion home for the whole family.

It’s not so much what you do but more, why you do whatever you do.

Jesus talks more about ones heart than deeds. Why? Some “religions” are based on working your way into heaven with good deeds. Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, For it is by grace you have been saved,through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. It’s who you are that really matters. Where does your loyalty go, to man or to God?

Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ (Jesus ups the ante) But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

[The word “Raca” is only found once in the Bible. It means vein, empty, worthless… The Jews used it as a word of contempt. It’s derived from the root word meaning “to spit.”]

God examines the very thoughts and intents of the heart. He will issue judgment upon unrighteous anger. Jesus warns us that, even calling another person insulting names such as “raca” is sinful.

Murder begins in the heart, and name or insults such as Raca are signs that there is hatred in ones heart. The same hatred that causes the outpouring of insults is the same hatred that causes one to commit murder. The attitude of the heart is the same, and it’s this attitude that makes a person morally guilty before God.

Here’s another example: Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.” (Again, Jesus ups the ante) “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Someone once told me, just because you go to church does that mean you’re a Christian just as, sitting in the garage doesn’t make you a car. Jesus addresses this very point. He is speaking about judgement day.

Matthew 7:22-23 “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

It’s not what you do but why you do it. What is in your heart?

Abusive words and improper acts reveal the true intents of one’s heart for which we will be held in judgment: Jeremiah 17:10 “I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” 1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.” The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Chronicles 28:9  “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.”

Jesus told us to do three things:

One: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

And He tells us how in John 15:23. Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me, (Speaking of the heart), will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”

When you love someone, you will honor them and respect them whether they are with you or not. Jesus is saying, those who love Him will keep His commandments because they want to, not because they feel as though they have to. It’s what your heart chooses to do.

Two: John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another.” (Again, speaking of the heart) As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This is big! Think of what Jesus gave up so He could come to earth. Being in the midst of God, His perfect form, the Trinity, ets… To be born a mortal man, live among all types of people, to server instead of being served, to be falsely accused of crimes against the church, to be beaten, mocked, and killed for sins He didn’t commit. They were our sins. In the end, He loved us and even those who were killing Him so much, He asked for mercy on them.

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” That’s a tough one.

Three: The great commission, Matthew 28:18-20. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Why would you go and tell people about Jesus and the love He has for us if you don’t really care about Him? Why would you spread the good news of salvation, if you don’t really believe it? And how can you make disciples of all mankind if you yourself are not saved?

Has anyone ever asked you if you were saved? Saved defined: Romans 10:13 “Whoever shall call upon the name of the  Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21  “And everyone who calls on the name of the  Lord  will be saved.” Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Simply put, you call on Jesus in repentance and try to live your life in such a way to honor Him. Try to be a Christian. No, you’re not expected to be perfect. It’s not about being perfect or better than anyone else, it’s the intent of your heart. It really is that simple. People are complicated not God.

“Christianity begins where religion ends…with the resurrection.” 

[Herbert Booth Smith ]

Happy Easter!