What Does It Really Mean to Be a Christian?

Christianity Is Not A Broad Term for Jesus

In today's world, the term "Christian" has become a broad and often diluted concept. Many people declare themselves Christians, but their lives bear little resemblance to what the Bible says a follower of Christ should look like.

Modern society has redefined Christianity to accommodate personal preferences, but God's standards have never changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Being a Christian is not simply believing in God—even the demons believe—and tremble (James 2:19). It is so much deeper than mere belief; it is about living a life that reflects Christ.

A Call to Holiness

Many today pick up their beers without a second thought, sprinkle curse words in conversation, and entertain themselves with ungodly music and movies. This isn't judgment—this is a wake-up call. The Bible says:

"But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:15–16

Even Moses had to take off his shoes when he approached the burning bush because he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). That word "holy" means sacred, set apart, sanctified—a total commitment to being what God has called us to be.

The Daily Battle

Living a holy life is not easy. As Paul wrote:

"For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." Romans 7:19

"I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:31

True Christianity involves dying to ourselves daily, not just once in a while, not just on Sundays. Yet many who call themselves Christians are living for the world, just as they did in the days of Noah. People were eating, drinking, and making merry, completely oblivious to the judgment that was coming (Matthew 24:37–39).

Sanctification: Becoming Like Christ

Jesus calls us to be sanctified, to become more like Him every single day. This isn't about perfection. It's about striving toward perfection—pressing on toward the mark:

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12

None of us will be perfect on this earth. God knows our frailty. He knows that our hearts, without Him, are wicked and deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9). But He also knows those who seek Him earnestly, those He can call friends of God (James 2:23).

Even I struggle. I know my prayer life needs to grow. My time in the Word needs to increase. Life gets busy, and it's easy to get distracted by the cares of this world. I've done it. But oh, Jesus, help me to do better. I know that true repentance is not just asking for forgiveness, it is turning away from those things that displease God.

Seek Him With All Your Heart

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

Jesus will return. He will separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31–33). The sheep are those who have done the will of the Father, not just those who claimed His name. The goats are those who called themselves Christians but did not live according to His commands.

I want to be counted among His sheep. I want to hear Him say:

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

I want my family to hear it. I want my friends, coworkers—everyone I love—to hear it. And so I pray: Lord, help us. Help us to desire You. Help us to seek You like never before. Turn our hearts back to You.

Learn from the Israelites

If there is one lesson we must learn from Scripture, it is from the Israelites. Over and over again, their hearts strayed from God. And when they did, God allowed them to be taken into captivity, dispersed, and devastated by grief, loss, confusion, and death. They lost unity and peace—all because they refused to live for Him.

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…" 1 Corinthians 10:11

God, You know the end from the beginning. You are the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 22:13). Teach us to know Your ways. Help us to walk in holiness, in truth, and love. The hour is urgent. The time is short. Jesus is coming soon.

Let us turn our hearts back to You, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.