What does it say about the times we live in that I’m hesitant to confess myself a Christian? It isn’t that I’m ashamed of my Lord Jesus Christ. I’m not. I’m ashamed, instead, of those who are touting themselves as Christians, yet have no spiritual fruit hanging on their vines. Even worse, I have to assess daily whether I am becoming one of them. It is …. exhausting.
Sadly, almost every horrible, unholy act I’ve experienced has been at the hands of a professing Christian. I wish there were some way to discern between those who profess their obedience to God’s word while disobeying every commandment, as opposed to those who actually live it quietly, allowing their voices to remain silent while their fruit speaks for itself.
I find the real Laborers of the Harvest tend to downplay their worthiness, while those who only use God as a social tool tend to up-play their part in His Kingdom. They ride triumphantly on the praise of others, yet forget that they are fallen creatures like the rest of us. More importantly, I must assess my spiritual inventory daily to make sure I am not falling into a hypocritical, false belief in my own adherence to God’s laws. I praise God daily that He has given my a check in those around me. I want to be a sincere follower, not simply surface, but devout.
What an exhausting world we live in now. I admit, I’m looking forward to things being put spiritually correct.
~ Bird
Everyone Has A Story... Again 
8 responses to “We Need A New Description – Being a Christian These Days Means Something Else”
I agree with you. Those who so loudly proclaim are sometimes the least of what they proclaim. And those who are the best examples of Jesus very rarely say much. They are too busy… Doing and loving and serving others.
One is never humble if he has to tell others he is.
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Very true!
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Catherine, this is one of the best (truthful, profound, courageous) posts I’ve read in a while. Could I quietly say an, “amen?” I tend to call myself a follower of Jesus, if labels are needed. We must get past rules and laws face the fact that we under a New Covenant. No more ‘eye for an eye’ or captivity to ‘shoulds’. We have been set free to love and grant grace and mercy by the One who loved us first, and granted us grace and mercy before we ever said we were sorry.
The first seed of the fruit of the Spirit is love; and if we are to be a devout follower, we must follow His lead.
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I agree. I pray to shine the light of Jesus in word and action.
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I think of myself as a disciple of Christ but use the label “Christian” in public settings. If bigots and bat actors are the only ones who identify themselves as Christian, that’s all the term will mean. That would be unfortunate.
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I’ve experienced the same thing at the hand of “Christians” and I’ve been in church since I was 9! I prefer to call myself a Jesus Follower!
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Hey Bird,
I’ll add my agreement. I’ll add a couple cents, too, if I may: At the Final Judgment
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.” [Matthew 25:31-33]
The passage goes on to show us that many who think they’ve been good followers, good Christians, simple have not. All talk; no walk. Then there are the others, the quiet ones whose strength is in their trust. They walk the walk, without the talk.
Lord Bless, Keep, Shine. . . Wil
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So much truth in your post. I have to ask Jesus all the time to guard my heart and mind so that I know the difference between him and the enemy! thx for speaking from your heart!
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