Many people today are falsely advertising themselves as Christians. They slap on a pretty label that says, “follower of Christ”, but their lifestyle belies the story they’re trying to sell.
Some of them have gotten so good at fooling others, they start to fool themselves in the process. Today, we’re going to measure your standard of goodness against the Bible’s standard of godliness.
Without further ado, DON’T call yourself a Christian if you don’t do these 5 things:
Some of them have gotten so good at fooling others, they start to fool themselves in the process. Today, we’re going to measure your standard of goodness against the Bible’s standard of godliness.
Without further ado, DON’T call yourself a Christian if you don’t do these 5 things:
#1 Love like Christ. Jesus says in Mark 12:30-31 that the most important commandments God has given us are these: to love the Lord with all your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself. If you love God, it will be reflected in how you treat people. Your interactions with others should be seasoned by your love for Christ, meaning you should approach folks with kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness.
#2 Live to serve. Mark 10:44-45 (ESV) reads, “And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Greatness in God’s eyes is lowliness in the world’s. Your outlook on life must be God first, people second, me last. You serve the Lord by serving others, placing their needs above your own, so that they will “see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NIV).
#3 Obey His commandments. “If you love me, obey my commandments,” are the words of John 14:15 in the NLT. According to Christ, love and obedience are one and the same. If you would do anything for a loved one here on earth, how much more should you be willing to do anything for the One you love in heaven? Obedience and Christianity cannot be separated. Though our salvation is not based on works, but grace, once we have come to know Jesus, we will automatically begin to produce righteous fruit. You can’t be in a relationship with Him and remain in a constant state of rebellion and habitual sin. Just saying.
#4 Know what Jesus actually did. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV) says, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Christ is to be our focus. It’s not enough to simply know who He is by name; you have to know what He did and why He did it. Don’t be a stranger to the gospel. After all, how can you follow the example of someone without pursuing wisdom and insight on how they actually behave?
#5 Be a witness. Your walk and your talk should scream “I’M A JESUS FREAK!” and your faith should be the theme of your life, not an undertone. As a Christian, you should walk boldly in your faith and share the source of your joy with those who are willing to listen. Abide by Romans 1:16, which reads in the NIV, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Make sure you are actively working to introduce people to Christ.
If none of the things listed above is reflected in your life, you may need to consider rededicating your life to Christ. And if you have been following certain instructions here, but not others, now you know what to sharpen up on.
Below is a Here’s a quick prayer.
Lord, please search my heart. If there is anything within me that’s goes against your character, please forgive me, wash me and make me new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Article By JC Culligan // EEW Magazine Spiritual
SHARING IS CARING