So ... you think you're a Christian?

At a discussion recently someone said, "I'm a Christian. I was baptised as a baby and was married in church. I believe in Jesus and wear a Cross for protection. I don't go to church regularly like 'proper' Christians or read the Bible. I don't need to. But I am a Christian".

In my view, this person is one of many who is not a Christian but is living in the misapprehension that entry to Heaven is automatic because he's a good person really. 

Being baptised does not make one a Christian; especially when you're a baby and do not know what is going on.

Believing in Jesus does not make you a Christian either. The Devil believes in Jesus. He tried to tempt Him many a time. Jesus drove out many demons who possessed people. They knew and believed who He is. The Pharisees, Saducees and scribes knew and believed in Jesus as the Son of God. They had read it in Scripture and conspired to kill Him because He was a threat to their position of power. It takes more than believing in Jesus to be a Christian.   

Wearing the Cross for "protection" is in itself an insult. The Cross is not a good luck charm or a talisman with magic powers. Sadly, many treat it as such or as a piece of jewellery rather than a memory of what it represents.

To be a Christian one must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He walked this earth as fully human and fully God. He died for us and was resurrected by His Father, our God.

Being a Christian is a way of life. It's not a badge or a title to identify one with. It's a way of life which requires one to behave in a certain way.

To be a Christian means to share our lives with Christ and to live as He would expect us to. To pray and communicate with Him daily, perhaps more than once a day. And yes, to visit Him regularly in church - not for His benefit, but for ours in order to improve ourselves and get closer to Him by our living example to others. 

To be a Christian means reading the Bible and other Christian literature in order to learn more about Christ, the real person we claim to love and follow. Jesus is not just a badge or an ornament to be worn on our lapel or round our neck. He is not just a nice person we may have seen on TV and the cinema. Jesus is the Son of God and deserves more respect than many afford Him.

Sadly ... that individual at the discussion was in no mood to listen. He was sure he is a Christian.