I absolutely love studying the Bible and Christianity. It is one of the things that makes me feel closer to God. It is also one of the things that led me to go back to school for a Ministry Degree. Throughout this time of study, I have enjoyed posing questions about things I have learned. Sometimes I ask them to my family or friends, and sometimes I post them on social media. I do this because no matter how much knowledge I gain there is always more, and I love hearing other people’s perspectives. In a sense, it deepens the knowledge and turns it to wisdom.
We live in a post-Christian society. Christianity is not understood as it once was. Those who are Christian deeply feel this and see it in their lives. Spend any time on social media and you will read about Christians and all their faults. Most show a lack of knowing what it even means to be a Christian. Even Christians disagree to an extent on what it means to be a Christian.
With all this in mind, I cannot help but to pose this question:
What makes someone a Christian?
My answer is simple. It is their faith in Christ. It is their knowing and believing Jesus died on the cross for their sins and that He rose again. It is believing in the need for a savior, knowing they cannot save themselves.
It can look like someone who loves gaining knowledge and wisdom.
It can look like someone serving the homeless any chance they get.
It can look like someone encouraging their friends when they struggle.
It can look like someone praying in the privacy of their homes.
It can look like someone who prays in public any chance they get.
It can look like someone teaching in a public school…or a private Christian school.
It can look like someone who has social anxiety and struggles talking with others, so instead serves behind the scenes.
It can look like the social butterfly who invites their friends to church events.
It can look loud.
It can look quiet.
Mostly it just looks like an imperfect person trusting in the promises of God as they live out their life wherever it is God has placed them.
My point is if you want to know what makes someone a Christian ask them. Ask them about their faith in Christ. Then ask them what their faith leads them to do. By doing so you will also see how God beautifully designed us to live out our faith in unique ways.