What it means to be called a Christian

I've been thinking a lot about the term "Christian." I once read an article that said, "if you can fog a mirror, you can be a contractor." I don't mean to cast aspersions at contractors, but that seems to be today's requirement for calling oneself a Christian. The fact is, there has been a tremendous cheapening of what it means to be called a Christian. Indeed, I think that the root of the problem stems from calling ourselves Christians. The disciples were called Christians at Antioch from outside their ranks. It is sad to say that the cause of Christ would be helped if some would stop telling people they are Christians; because, in every way, their lives deny it.

Let me lay out my position, for the sake of clarity. First off, being saved and being baptized does not automatically make you a Christian; it makes you a convert to Christianity. That is a good thing, such a good thing that the angels rejoice over it! But let me make this clear, you can be saved and baptized, and still not be a Christian. I have seen over and over again good Christians, whose children were pagans. They came forward and they were baptized, they said all the right things; but as soon as they were out of mommy and daddy's sight, their whole personality changed, and they could care less about God. Underpinning all of this, is that fact that we all eventually answer for our self, and no matter what our mouths say: our actions tell the tale.

If your life is not lived any different from a pagan, odds are really good that you are a pagan. But I'm so and so's kid: who cares, you don't get a pass based on pedigree, accomplishments or church membership. The question at hand is, do you follow Christ? You see, that is why they called the disciples in Antioch Christians; because, they were know for behaving like Christ. In fact, I don't think that it is a bad idea, to put our actions to the test and see if anyone calls us Christian. You are not going to succeed as a Christian, without attending to the things of Christ. Is He at the heart of what makes you tick?

You may call yourself Christian, but it is your actions that determine whether or not what you say is true. Some of this may be borne out of frustration; but honestly, it would be helpful to me as a minister, if people would just line up with the team that they are playing for. That may sound awful, but it is honest. I want a revival in this country, and I am, frankly, sick of trying to encourage people to try what it is they profess to believe. Here is the cold hard fact of the matter: if people went to the Book, and the Book changed people, we would see a revival in this country. Bless you all.