Christianity

Hey all,
I've been thinking a lot lately about Christianity and what it actually is. Keep in mind, these are just my thoughts. I haven't researched it, or even studied it out in the Bible officially, just thinking over what I've been taught, and what I know of my own relationship with Christ.

When we think of a Christian, what do we think of? When you say you are a Christian, what do you really mean? The first time the name "Christian" was used could very well have been in a diragatory way. It was after Christ's resurrection and ascention, and the the disciples were preaching/teaching and acting just like Christ so much that those looking on called them Christians. Is that what being a Christian means to you? Some think that if they go to church at least once a week, give a little bit every now and then, live a pretty descent life, claim salvation at one time in their life, then they are a Christian. Some people call themselves Christian just because they aren't Catholic. But let me ask again, What is a Christian, or Who is a Christian? It's really plain and simple, those that are Christ-like are the true Christians. If you have sin in your life, you are not like Christ. You CAN be forgiven for all past sins by simply asking God to forgive you, and truly repenting and turning away from sin. With God's Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you CAN live a life free from sin. Not on your own power by any means, but by the power of God in you.

Lets take a look at a few of the characteristics of Christ. He kept His promises (and He still does!!) Many, many times people came to Him for healing of themselves or a loved one. Many times Jesus healed them right there, but sometimes he sent them away with the promise of healing according to their belief and obedience. What if Christ would have failed to keep His promise of healing? He would have been rendered a fraud, and could not be the Messiah. Do you keep your word? Christ did, and still does.

Christ was all accepting. Not once did Christ turn away a needy soul. He even went out of His way to minister to the Samaritan woman, one the Jews viewed on the same level as dogs, at the well. He readily ate and fellowshipped with the sinners and people on the low end of society. He rebuked those that commented and judged Him for it. Are you all accepting? or do you have predjudices? Do you readily accept people of another race, language, station in life? Do you show love to ALL you come in contact with? Christ did, and He still does. It doesn't matter who you are or what you have done, if you come to Christ in true repentence, He will NOT cast you out!!!

Christ did not complain. He was often without a place to sleep. He was constantly ridiculed and even at risk for His life. He never really fit in with anyone except His disciples. Yet, He accepted His lot in life, and lived according to His father's will. He even knew why He was on Earth, but that didn't stop Him. He strove to always please His father and do His divine will, even in the end when He asked to be released from His resposibilities of death, yet He accepted God's will without complaint. Are you content where you are? Do you constantly complain about someone, something, because it's not exactly like you want it to be? We are to be content wherever we are, in whatever state we are in. We are to give thanks for, and in all things. This is what Christ patterned for us, and what Paul (I believe) preached later on. The power to be content comes from God. Remember, we are human and are incapable of being just like Christ in our own power. We must rely on God and ask Him for the ability to do this.

Jesus did not get angry, without due cause. The Bible records a couple times when Christ got angry because of the filthiness going on in His father's house, and He cleansed the temple. Since it's in the gospels, this very well could have happened only once. Other than that, Jesus never got angry. Even when Satan was tempting Him, His resposes were calm and free from anger. Jesus was God, we are not. As humans, we have a tendency towards anger, but we must not let it rule us. We can be freed from anger if we allow the Holy Spirit to take control over our lives. I believe that because we are humans, things will upset us, but just like Christ we must not get angry without due cause. Some people fly off the handle with the slightest little thing, others let it simmer and then blow up big time. Neither of these are Christ-like. If this is a problem, God can and will take care of it for you if you allow Him to. In actuality, SIN is the only thing that angers God. To be Christ-like, that can be the only thing that angers us.

It costs to be a true Christian. It costs a lot. Too many are not willing to pay the price, but still claim the name. A true Christian must forget himself, must give himself to God and let God have total control over everything. A true Christian must leave sin behind and live only for God. We cannot serve God and serve Sin at the same time. A true Christian must pattern his/her life after Christ. In order to do this, he/she must spend time in God's Word and in Prayer so that they will KNOW what Christ is like and can gain the power from God to live such a life. Your will must die and become God's will. No, you don't have to give up EVERYTHING you want, and you can still ask for what you want, but you must be willing to accept whatever God wants and not get bitter and upset, even angry, at God for not getting your way. God has promised to supply ALL our needs, and yes, some of our wants. As long as what we want is in accordance to God's will, there is nothing wrong with wanting it. God is so good. He doesn't "take away" something without giving something better in return. God's will is ALWAYS best, we just have to let go of OUR will so that we can willingly accept God's will.

In a nutshell, we cannot live life how we see fit and be a Christian. We MUST learn of Christ and pattern our lives after Him. If He says its wrong, it's wrong. There is no justifying it. If He says it's right, then by all means that's what we need to do. If we have questions, seek out every detail and compare it to God's word. If there is ANYTHING contrary, the answer is NO, if there is nothing that you see wrong, the answer still may be no for you, or it could be wait, or it could be go ahead. God will reveal His Will EVERY TIME!! We just have to be patient and wait for it. One very important note: a Christian is to pattern his/her life after CHRIST, not the preacher, SS teacher, church pianist, principle of the Bible school, SS superintendent, church secretary/treasurer,... you get the picture. Even the one closest to God is still human and has faults and failures. We must keep our eyes on CHRIST and CHRIST alone. We fall into problems when we look at others. Remember, the Christian walk is a PERSONAL relationship with Christ. My walk will be different from yours. Your walk will be different from your dad's walk. Your dad's walk will be different from your pastor's walk, and so on and so forth. It's personal. Cultivate it and allow God to guide you in the the way HE wants YOU to go.

Lets all strive to be more Christ-like each and every day. We can NEVER get to the place where we are completely like Christ and there's no more room to grow and learn. It's a daily walk and learning experience. Lets determine in our hearts and lives that we will be true Christians, not just claiming the name, but not living the life. God bless you each one on your journey to Christ-likeness!!!

Until next time,
Esther