Are You Christian?

By: Tony Alonso

I live in the United States and we are known as a Christian country. Over 3/4 of the population call themselves Christian. But, the more I speak to those who claim to be Christian, the more I question their understanding of the term Christian. We see verses like John 3:16 and even the verse above and quickly point out that we believe and therefore, are Christian. Is this biblically correct? Is it that easy? Yes, and No.

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! James 2:19 ESV. This verse reminds us that we do well to believe. But, even demons believe and shudder! What separates us from demons? If they believe are they saved? No. Continue reading the rest of the verse above. It is not the will of flesh (yourself), or of man (those around you), but of God. Ask yourself this. Are you doing the will of God? Are you selfishly doing your own will and that of others? Do you plan your day based on other’s approval? Is the decisions you make today based on glorifying God or yourself? Do you wear what you wear to bring glory to God or yourself? Do you watch shows to ignite your spirit or to satisfy your lusts? Are you Christian?

Make no mistake. We cannot earn our way to eternal life. If this were the scale used to decide if we are worthy, we would all fail miserably. The question is not of your actions but of your heart. Are you living your life to the will of God or the will of others and yourself? If you say you believe and are Christian, but your life is not reflecting it, your thoughts are not clear on your pursuits, then you must question your conversion. Are you a false prophet? Are you claiming Christ falsely? Matthew 7:16-17 ESV says, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every heathy tree cannot bear bad fruit nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.” When people look at you, do they see a Christian? When we look at your phone, computer, Netflix or Hulu account, what do we see?

If you are claiming to be a Christian in name only, please stop. You are fooling yourself and those around you. Instead, come to the Father and ask for a transformation. Submit yourself to God. Commit yourself to learning what it means to follow the will of God. Pray for understanding and a renewed mind. The greatest commandment is found in Matthew 22:37 ESV. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Make this your prayer and make this your start. Do you love God with all your mind? Does your heart long for God? If not, start here. Turning your life to God is a life long process. But, the transformation begins by inviting the Holy Spirit into your life to begin radically changing your mind and heart away from yourself and the will of others to God.

The Lion’s Den

Daniel 6:16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “may your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

There are times I am ashamed of myself. Times when I take a look inside and hate what I see. I get so easily wrapped up when drama gets plastered over the news or the latest gossip in social media. Sure, I have good intentions. I want to make things right. But, at what cost?

Daniel was in the political realm. He dealt with kings and statesmen. Kind of like we do today with principals, teachers, and coaches. Whether these individuals in power are right or wrong, we are to trust God. While Daniel didn’t preach sermons or hold Jesus Rally’s, he followed God with everything he had. He trusted him in every situation. When he was persecuted and thrown into a pit of lions, his faith did not waiver. Through his trust in God, those in power including the king, saw and believed.

When situations happen that you do not agree with. When people act in a certain way that makes you angry. Remember that God is in control and will use you to bring glory if you let Him. Meditate on areas of your life you can rely on God and let His light shine through you. While we can’t change the world ourselves, we know that we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us.

via Bold19 – The Lion’s Den.