What Is a Christian?
A Christian is a person who has made the move to accept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and knows that He is their one and only Savior. Christians allow Christ to act as the ultimate compass for their lives - the defining path of their footsteps. To do anything else would be a walking contradiction to Christianity itself.
Jesus Christ as Compass
Christianity is more than the belief in Jesus Christ. Belief is the beginning, but there is so, so much more.
What Rules Do Christians Follow?
Following Jesus is not about a list of rules. It is about constantly seeking God and His will for our lives. It is about valuing God and spending time with Him. Growing a friendship with Him is like nurturing any other relationship; it is a communication of back and forth getting to know one another— though God already knows us. God knows that we are imperfect, and even our best would never be enough to be saved. That is why He died on the cross for us. He sacrificed His life so that we would be forgiven.
Only through Jesus can we truly experience change. Foolishly insisting we can change ourselves would only create a never-ending and only disappointing quest that we would never be able to fulfill.
What Does Active Christian Living Look Like?
it is not enough to simply say you believe in Jesus and read the Bible. You have to actually apply the Word of God to your actions, decisions, and thoughts.
We all have different lives, with different things that need to change. As we seek God through prayer, He changes our hearts and desires to reflect His ways.
The most important thing though, is that a person continually changes over time— to become more like Jesus Christ.
What Does a Christian Look Like?
By appearance alone, you will not be able to tell what is inside someone’s heart. You won’t know if they value Jesus by their attire, tattoos, or piercings. Jesus saves everyone at different points in their lives - our appearances are not what make a Christian,
There are people who want nothing to do with Him that outwardly are plain, or there may be someone covered in tattoos that worships Jesus. Judging someones spiritual condition or beliefs is a waste of effort because it is impossible and a fruitless endeavor.
However, there are behaviors that would indicate a person’s beliefs in God, beyond simply going to church and reading the Holy Bible.
What Does a Christian Do?
A Christian follows Jesus. A Christian puts His word above their own feelings, opinions and choices. We allow God to correct us, because we know our hearts are deceitful. We know that we do not see everything, but our God does. Knowing that, it makes trusting God easier - when you have experienced God’s involvement in your life, you quickly realize that there is no better way of living. Because where the entire world falls short of giving you what you need, God can and DOES provide, it ALL.
Who Needs Jesus?
Truly, we all do. Though I must say that those who would appreciate and benefit from Him the most, are those who have been hurt by this world - whether it be from family, friends, anything.
Disappointments infiltrate our experiences and relationships. People we have known forever change and stab us in the back. You never know what you may encounter, or what may happen next. But one thing that does not change, or rather, some ONE who does not change, is Jesus and His love for us. Those who have been hurt can find comfort and relief in a relationship with Jesus, because He is exactly who He says He is, and represents Himself to be. There is no changing up with Him. And He sticks close to us as long as we desire to have His presence and input in our lives,
People are Imperfect
Christians know this. Christians understand that, no matter how much we may strive to, or pretend to ourselves that we are able to achieve perfection — we are incapable of actually doing so.
We make wrong decisions, form incorrect judgements, and fail repeatedly. It is never-ending. It is okay to accept this reality, because it is not going to change. We are all human beings and it is a part of our nature.
However—
There is one being who is perfect in every way, shape & form. And that being’s name is:
Jesus Christ.
Following Jesus Christ is a choice that we make, in response to understanding that we are all flawed individuals who need a perfect compass to direct our lives.
He doesn’t make our lives go perfectly well, as in we no longer have problems.
But He does aid us in every single thing we will ever encounter - and that makes life so, so much better.
Jesus stands with us, in the way of everything we face.
Imagine holding hands with the epitome of comfort during our scariest moments—
Imagine knowing we never have to go through life alone - He is always there.
Christians get to wake up to an all powerful God and pour out all their woes to Him - and know that He can change things.
He’ll change us, make us stronger, more resilient, and help us to walk wherever we need to.
Life is sure to dismantle us, but God— Jesus, will complete us by helping heal our hurt and allowing us to move on with an upgraded spirit.
If you want to know more about the Christian God, click these:
How Are Christians Taught to Live?
The Bible teaches Christians to live differently from the world. Here are some examples of behaviors that God instructs His people to practice.
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"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" — Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." —Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." — Romans 14:19 (KJV)
Edify: To build someone up spiritually, helping them grow in faith, wisdom, and godly character.
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"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." — Proverbs 26:20 (KJV)
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." — James 1:19-20 (KJV)
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“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” — Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." — Philippians 2:3–4 (KJV)
Strife: Angry conflict or bitter disagreement
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"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven..." — Matthew 5:43-48 (KJV)
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"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." — Ephesians 4:31–32 (KJV)
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"Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour." — Leviticus 19:15 (KJV)
Respect the person: Show favoritism based on someone's position or circumstances.
It is very important that we do not construe other Christians’ behaviors with how Christ intended us to live.
Christians are bound to make mistakes, hurt people, cause trauma, behave in ways that are contradictory to the Holy Bible.
This is because, no human being is perfect. Everyone will inevitably, make mistakes and fail. The Holy Bible tells us:
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags: …” — Isaiah 64:6 (KJV)
In juxtaposition to Jesus, no man comes even remotely close to perfect. And Jesus does not expect us to be!
Jesus teaches us to live by His word, encourages us to seek Him as we make mistakes, and to persevere to the throne of God boldly.
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"But above all things, my brethren, swear not... but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." — James 5:12 (KJV)
"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." — Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)
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"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed…” — James 5:16 (KJV)
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." — Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)
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“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)
Edify: To build someone up spiritually, helping them grow in faith, wisdom, and godly character.
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“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves...” — 2 Timothy 2:24–25 (KJV)
“And of some have compassion, making a difference:
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” — Jude 22–23 (KJV)
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“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:15–16 (KJV)
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“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” — Matthew 7:16–20 (KJV)
A Christian Must Be Willing to Be Wrong
Followers of Christ must allow themselves to be corrected by the Holy Bible, which is the word of God. Without our compass, a Christians life is meaningless, as the goal of Christianity is to become more like Christ. We are expected to exhibit His attributes, and His teachings, so that the world may see His light dwelling within us— His vessels.
Being a Christian is About Action
14 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." — James 2:14–18 (KJV)
Being a Christian is About Surrender
12 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” — Romans 6:12-13 (KJV)
Being a Christian is About Doing God’s Will
13 "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain.
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”— James 4:13-15 (KJV)
Being a Christian is About Being Led by the Spirit
21 "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”— Exodus 13:21-22 (KJV)
34 “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:
37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.
38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”— Exodus 40:34-38 (KJV)
Tabernacle: The portable tent where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites.