I've recently started delving into the history and origin of Christianity. I decided to do a Google search to see how Christianity is defined. I personally disagree with the meaning that came up. The search returned a meaning of "relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings. "the Christian Church" or "a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity".
I am sure there are many different definitions throughout the internet world, but this is the one that sparked my writing this blog.
I am not a believer in Christianity. I am a believer in Christ. The word Christian is derived from the name Christ as Christians are followers and believers in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am a Christian because of my relationship with Christ not because of the teachings or baptism.
In another entry just below my first search, someone defines being a Christian as "Being a Christian is not about keeping rules and regulations, performing rituals, or even going to church. It's about a friendship - a friendship with Jesus Christ."
This comment I disagree with even more. While it's not about keeping rules, regulations or attending church. Christians are to be obedient to Jesus and follow the Word of God.
Christianity is not a religion and it is not a friendship. While it's true Jesus is our friend, friendship alone is not Christianity and friendship alone will not provide eternal life in heaven. Christianity is more like a marriage we we are committed to Christ and we have a personal relationship with Him. A relationship that is much deeper and meaningful than a friendship.
Christianity is having an intimate personal relationship with Christ that starts with repentance of our sins and believing that Jesus was born of a virgin, the only son of God and that He died for our sins and arose again. Christianity is another name for 'a disciple of Jesus'. If you profess to be a Christian, then you are stating you are Christ-like. You will never be perfect like Christ, but you are striving to live by His example and be as much like him as possible. This includes but is not limited to loving others and sharing the news of His gift of salvation to others. Christianity is a lifestyle chosen to reflect Christ and all that He represents.
Have you given much thought into what it means to be a Christian? Do you understand the responsibility and seriousness of being a Christian? Are you striving to be more Christ-like and develop an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ? If not, I pray that you will consider it.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)