Being a Christian

Being a Christian

Do you call yourself a Christian? How many people do you know that do? Did you know that 85% of the United States will call themselves a Christian just because of being baptized, going to church, believing there is a God, saying a prayer at meal time or before bed, and so on? But most people claiming to be Christian don't focus their life on living as Jesus did. A Christian stands out in this world amongst everyone else because we lead by example, not worrying what the world will think of us. Are Christians perfect people? No, we are far from perfect. But living for the Lord gives a person the love of God, his truth, direction, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, security, and an abundant life here on earth and in eternity. What more from life does a person need?

All mankind sins, no matter how much we follow God or not, but continuing to live in sin when you know you are, is what keeps a person from God. "If you have ever felt distant from God because of your sin, you are not alone. But don't forget the truth of 1 Peter 4:8: "Love covers over a multitude of sins." No matter what you've done, God's love and forgiveness are bigger than your biggest sin." (Groeschel)

There is a way to stop living a sinful life, through repentance and then turning to the Lord. Repent means to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life. In the book Lord, Change My Attitude the author writes about having realization of repentance. He writes "God, that's why I've been so troubled! That's why I have been so discouraged! It's my attitude, Lord! Right there." Repenting and living as a Christian keeps the focus on becoming a better person and self-satisfaction.

I'm not saying life is easier being a Christian by any means, but it can be simple. Simple is defined as not complicated. There is one life God wants us to live. That life is to live for him and be loved by him. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you the path to take." (Prov. 3:5-6) Nothing in this life matters unless God is in control of it.

Did you know you can have a personal relationship with the Lord? That's the biggest part of living a Christian life! God wants us to cast all of our cares and anxieties unto him! He doesn't want us to come to him when we are better inside, he wants us as we are or we will never turn to him. God wants all of mankind to know him and his love for us. "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to him through Jesus Christ." (Eph. 1:5) Jesus, our Lord and Savior, was sent here by God to live on this earth and shed his blood for each one of us to be forgiven of our sins. Isn't that amazing? It's almost unbelievable that someone could love us that much unconditionally!

"Don't copy the behavior and the customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Rom. 12:2) Doesn't it feel great doing something for somebody else on your own time? Like holding a door open for someone, picking up something someone dropped, giving someone a ride,