A Christian can be defined in many ways with varying words. Perhaps a few pictures best encapsulate how a Christian should live.
- As an obedient child who is strong in the Lord.
When times are tough and you feel like giving up, be strong. A Christian is strong, displaying moral courage, in the face of unrelenting opposition. A Christian obeys the Father rather than relying on themselves when times are tough.
2. As a flaming evangelist who is faithful in sharing God’s message.
The word evangelist was once exclusively a Christian word, often with a negative connotation. Now, you see the word used in business and other contexts. It is the one who communicates with fervency and excitement about the benefits and joys of a product or a movement. May we be as fervent and excited about communicating the hope of the gospel.
3. As a good soldier of Christ Jesus who is committed to Jesus.
A soldier endues suffering. Following Christ is not easy. We have a saying: “Growing old is not for sissies.” Well, being a follower of Christ is not for sissies either. It requires strength of character and intestinal fortitude to follow the way of the cross. Never were believers promised an easy road or a safe passage. Suffering is a badge of discipleship. Expect it. Endure it.
A soldier doesn’t get entangled in the affairs of the world. As soldiers, our focus is on pleasing the Lord alone. We are totally committed to our Commanding Officer, the One who enlisted us. As believers, we serve only one boss and His name is Jesus. We are in the Lord’s army now. Honor Him. Obey Him. Defend Him.
4. As a disciplined athlete who plays according to the rules.
D. Salinger in The Catcher in the Rye wrote, “Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.” As believers, we play by the rules God lays down. They are recorded throughout Scripture. And, when we do, we will get our reward from Jesus Christ.
5. As a hardworking farmer who focuses on the future harvest.
A farmer can’t plant the seed and walk away. He must plant, weed, water, and wait. That requires work. A field left to itself will produce mostly weeds. Sharing God’s message is much like a farmer, cultivating relationships, spreading the seed of the gospel, waiting for the words to germinate. And, hopefully, the seed takes root and a person comes to faith in Jesus. Sowing gospel seed is hard work. It requires patience. It always looks to the future harvest.
6. As a loyal citizen who continues to fight for God’s cause.
Christians are citizens of heaven—God’s kingdom—first and foremost before they are citizens of an earthly country. We fight for God’s cause. Americans have had many battle cries, such as, “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Pearl Harbor.” Christian’s war cry is “Remember Jesus Christ.” He died, but rose from the dead. He showed that suffering produces glory, and that seeming defeat leads to victory.
This is who we are as Christians. May we live like it.
Did you know that if we practiced love our relationships would be stronger, our jobs would be more meaningful, and our ailments would be fewer? Earlier this year I wrote an encouraging book on love called Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love. The book gets its title from perhaps the greatest statement ever made on love in 1 Corinthians 13. This book provides a guide to love, and, if practiced, it will make us well and whole. Click here to claim your copy.
