When are You a Christian?

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 11:21B-26; 13:1-3 ~~~ 

~~~ Psalm 98 ~~~ Matthew 10:7-13 ~~~

 ...it was in Antioch that the disciples

were first called Christians.

Those who came to believe the teachings of Jesus 

came to be known as Christians.

It took many years before they were known

 by who and what they believed.

Being called a Christian is more than just a label.

Christians are not just tagged as a believer.

Being named a Christian must be earned and recognized

by the manner in which one lives their life.

Being called a Christian is not about going

 through the prescribed rituals.

Being worthy of being called a Christian

is a direct reflection of how one lives their life.

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Here is our commission...

We, as Christians, are to reveal Christ to others.

If we want to called Christians then our words 

and actions must be one with those of Christ.

We can pretend for only so long,

for eventually our actions will give us away.

It is through our actions and words that others 

come to know us as Christians.

Jesus instructs his disciples to take nothing

 with them for their journey,

because they were to be 

living examples of his message.

If we want to be called Christians

 then we must live in the same manner.

There should never be any question

 as to whether or not we are Christians.

If someone asks you if you are a Christian

 then you should be embarrassed.

Either they do not know you

or your actions are in contradiction

 to those who are Christian.

Two different songs come to mind here...

They will know we are Christians by our love,

and Live like you believe.

To live like you are a Christian

 is not just for when you come to church.

To live like you are a Christian means

to be the face of Jesus every day, everywhere, 

in every situation.

Is this an easy task?

For me the answer is No.

It is not always easy to consistently live like Jesus.

Is the grace of God visible 

to others when they come into your world?

One reason those of Antioch were called Christians

is because God's grace was visible.

I invite you to pause,

examine your actions and words.

Are they of God's grace?

Do they set you apart as a Christian?

When you make God's grace visible

you are Blessed.

There is no need to carry anything else with you.

May the peace of Christ

be with you.