"... So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."(Acts 11:26)
There were 2 things that defined who these early believers really were.
1. Everywhere they went, they talked about Jesus. They told anyone and everyone the good news. They fasted and prayed and they preached the Word of God. They were definitely not ashamed of the gospel.
2. They eagerly learned the scriptures. They were taught by Saul and Barnabas for a whole year. They desired to learn. They desired knowledge. They desired understanding.
The name Christian means 'an adherent to Christ'. Literally one who sticks to Christ. To be Christ-like. When we are striving to be like Him, there are certain things that should be taking place.
* Our lives should tell others about Jesus.
* We should be HUNGRY for God's Word.
* We should crave the Word of God like we crave chocolate..
* Our actions should bring glory and honor to Him.
* Our number 1 priority should be Jesus.
When we declare to others that we are Christians, we need to make certain that we can back our words up with some spiritual evidence. Actually, we shouldn't have to declare it, our lives should just show it.
It's so easy to hear things and profess things, but it's not always so easy to live out these same things on a daily basis. That's what makes our Christian walk so challenging. That's what makes our Christian life so rewarding. It takes effort. It takes perseverance. It takes determination.
I desire to be a Christian who is worthy of my calling. I desire for people to know that I am a follower of Christ by the life I lead. I want to seek Him more. I want to grow in knowledge. I want to walk where He would walk. I want to talk like He would talk. I want to love like He would love. When I gaze into the spiritual mirror, I want to see His reflection.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22
12 comments:
Just beautiful - and such a needed word. One that Christians should be following at all times. Thank you!!!
Beth
I really just can not get over how honest and open you are. I truly think that you can see God reflecting back in the mirror...I can see him reflecting in your words.
Tessa :)
Beautiful post -and beautiful blog. So glad you stopped by my blog so we could meet! Look forward to more...
Sweet Blessings
Beth, that was a great word!
You of all people know what it is like to live in a fishbowl. As pastor's wives, people are watching us like hawks with binoculars!
The thing is, Christians are being watched by those same hawks! As you said, it is so important for ALL Christians to have a walk worthy of the Gospel of Christ!
Amen and amen, sister! :)
The 2 Espressos have grown tremendously this year. Our homeschool has matured as we have all learned LOTS of lessons. God is faithful!
Beth,
It isn't easy, it is very challenging, and often I make a step backwards. OFTEN...but just as OFTEN, God causes me to move forward and I reap awesome benefits. Joy. Peace. Love. God-ly Girlfriends that are like-minded. More of His love flowing into me to SPLASH onto others.
Love ya!
Thank you for challenging me today. I too want to be a woman worthy of my calling. God is whispering in my ear some areas that need attention.
Blessings - Lisa
Thank you for visiting my blog! Please come back and visit again!
Great post. Your whole last paragraph is my desire as well, but too often I fail, and I fear that people don't see Christ in me. I'm so thankful that His love is unconditional and does not depend on my success or failure as a Christian.
Have a lovely day!
Margie :)
And Miss Beth - you look just like Jesus!!!
You quoted:
'Everywhere they went, they talked about Jesus. They told anyone and everyone the good news. They ***fasted and prayed*** and they preached the Word of God. '
I beleive we could have more of God's glory revealed and His power released if we did more of ***this***.
Looking UPward and Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[Time to FLY]
Amen Beth!! This was great. We need to spend our every breath for Him.
I heard that the name Christian come about as a derogatory term too. Much like non-believers use it today. It was like saying "little Christ followers" with a negative tone.
Beth that was great! I especially loved the last paragraph... spoken from the heart...
" I desire to be a Christian who is worthy of my calling. I desire for people to know that I am a follower of Christ by the life I lead. I want to seek Him more. I want to grow in knowledge. I want to walk where He would walk. I want to talk like He would talk. I want to love like He would love. When I gaze into the spiritual mirror, I want to see His reflection."
This is what I want too.
Blessings,
Lynn
Hey Beth...what a special post! I think I could ponder this for days and still wonder...am I a reflection?
You are such a blessing...
Susan
So Eloquently put, and this also reminds me of the scriptures in Eph 4:1-2 where we are told to walk worthy of the vocation in which we are called.
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