This “be true to yourself” generation has taught me something really important. I have to be true to myself. I have to be authentic. I have to be who I am. Who I am is a Christian. I am a mess, but I am a Christian
So what’s that mean? To some people that might mean being a hypocrite, judgmental or narrow minded.
But to Jesus, who I follow, it means something totally different. To Jesus it means:
Light
I can’t be a Christian if I am not bringing light and warmth to the world around me.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Mt. 5:14-16
Selfless
I can’t be a Christian and be out for myself. I have to be out for others. I have to be sold out to being selfless even when it hurts.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. Mt. 16:24
Love
I can’t be a Christian if my driving force is anything but love.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34
Obedient
I can’t be a Christian if I don’t do what the Christ says.
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. John 8:31
Good News Sharer
I can’t be a Christian if I don’t tell anyone about how good the news is. It’s great. This life is great.
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16
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