I have the impression that being a 'Christian' means being like Christ. A 'little Christ'. A follower and imitator of him.
Of course, I could be wrong. Being a Christian may only mean adhering to a particular set of dogma, signing up to a list of beliefs.
But I hope not. I hope its' meaning is more outwardly observable than what is going on someone's head.
Perhaps something Jesus said will help: “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35)
Given that idea, I have a question.
Which of the following best fit the title of 'Christian'? Lots of people claim that title, others don't. But which ones (in your own estimation) actually seem to be living out the character of Christ? And why do you think so? What qualities in their lives point back to Jesus? Do you have other good examples? And why do we seem to have so many bad examples?
(My list is just to spur your imagination)
Billy Graham
Pat Robertson
Florence Nightingale
Gandhi
Jack Kevorkian
Oprah Winfrey
Benny Hinn
Any past or present Prime Ministers/Presidents or other leaders
Mother Teresa
Martin Luther King Jr.
the Buddha
Fred Phelps
Bono
Desmond Tutu
William and Catherine Booth
Albert Schweitzer
Adolf Hitler
Joyce Meyer
Che Guevara
Galileo Galilei
Sam Walton
And a final thought. Put your own name in that list. Do you think your life is headed in the right direction, or has it been sidetracked as it appears has happened in some of the people listed above?
Psalm 81
1 day ago
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5 comments:
There is a reason Luke only used the word Christian once in Acts, and instead referred to the early church as 'The Way', as they were known.
Good post.
I've been wtrestling with rather or not to call myself Christian. Interesting that you posted this.
Besides the fact that the word 'Christian' carries a bunch of inappropriate baggage in our culture... I think we have forgotten that it should be referring more to our actions and character than just to our beliefs.
I kinda like the idea of 'Christ follower', but not necessarily using those words. I guess more importantly, our actions should say more than any title we might want to use.
that's a hard list to reconcile... and that's the point. they are all Christ-Like and following Jesus to the best of their ability. craziness!
hope things are well with you dawg. good post!
Is this a trick question? It's clearly Desmond Tutu. It's always Desmond Tutu. Next question!
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