God had impressed me with this topic through a dream. It’s just one of those dreams that I know I had an encounter with God. At first whisper, I didn’t even know if there was Scripture on it. It was only until I consciously stared at my notes when I realized that I’ve actually read this part of the Bible already– and that this piece was going to write itself.
Nowadays, it is so easy for us to call ourselves “Christian”. Sometimes, the term “Christian” is just utilized as a mere label to categorize someone. But, have you ever really thought about what makes a Christian true, according to God’s Word?
Romans 12:9-21 (ESV)
“9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
What am I saying? It’s easy to say we’re all Christians. It’s easy to go to church every Sunday. It’s easy to pray every night. It’s so easy to say that “the Lord is with us”. But, the Bible defines a Christian not by mere actions, but by letting love be genuine. The author of Romans then goes into a whole elaboration on such a statement.
In all my years as a professing Christian, there’s one main and fundamental thing that God has taught me about discipleship– about why we do all of these practices; why we worship, pray, and study the Word. This is so we can learn how to love God and how to love people. This is where the actions we do as Christians have actual bearing– have actual purpose.
We may have practiced the religion aspect of Christianity, but we must also prune our own hearts. There is a relationship component to Christianity. At a point in time, you have to be real with God and others. Why are you practicing Christianity? What is the motivation behind your faith?
It is our hearts that need to be shaped to God’s. For it is our heart that ultimately motivates us to sin or to do otherwise. It’s not just about actions. It was never just about actions.
It is about sincerity. It’s about what authentically proceeds from the heart. And to face whatever God has in store for us with the fear of God Himself.
Come to think of it, what makes a person a true Christian? Let this piece start the discussion.