You're a Christian? Says Who?

A friend of mine at church made mention this morning, during Sunday School, that the term "Christian" was given to the church of Christ, not chosen by them. Meaning, others in the community saw them, observed their behavior and attitudes, and labeled them as such. The term "Christian" has many definitions, but most that I've found and heard go back to one of two definitions - "little Christs" or "followers of Christ." My friend's point was this - would people know you're a Christian without you having to identify yourself as such? Or is it obvious?

By varying measures, between 75% and 85% of the people of the United States identify themselves as Christians. Yet society doesn't reflect this. If this were accurate things would be much different. But the key part of this statement is that people identify themselves as Christians. If others were asked to identify us - what would they say?

I've also heard it said that if you were to be arrested and charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? And how long would the argument be to make that case?

Being a nice person isn't good enough. Reading the Bible isn't good enough. Going to church - even twice every Sunday and once on Wednesday - isn't enough. Teaching Sunday School isn't enough. Praying isn't enough. Memorizing verses isn't enough. The only thing that matters is this - do you have a real, personal relationship (key word - relationship) with Jesus Christ? Do you not only spend time with Him, but desire to spend time with Him, like you would a girlfriend or boyfriend in those early, exciting days of a relationship? Do you seek to please Him, not because of a list of do's or don't's, but simply because it pleases Him? Do you avoid behavior that displeases Him - not because there are rules - but because you love Him and trust what He says? Do you love Him more than your own desires?

God doesn't and will never care what you call yourself. Take a moment to read Matthew 25:31-46, the story about the Sheep and the Goats. "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Rom 10:9-10)

In short, the mind controlled by the Spirit will desire things of the Spirit. The mind controlled by the flesh will desire those things of the flesh. Where do your desires lie? Answer that and then you'll have a better idea of how others see you. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Rom 8:5) And what are some of the desires of the flesh? Sexual impurity (Rom 1:24), homosexual relations (Rom 1:27), envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossiping, slander, God-hating, insolence, arrogance, boastfulness, disobeying your parents, (Rom 1:29-30) orgies, drunkenness, debauchery, dissension, jealousy (Rom 13:13), idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition (Gal 5:19-21), unwholesome talk (Eph 4:29), bitterness, brawling, slander (Eph 4:31), not even a HINT of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or greed, obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking (Eph 5:3-4) to name just a few.

We thing that because if we've got the big ones covered then we're okay: I only sleep with someone I love. I don't get drunk like I used to in college. I don't get in fights because I'm jealous. I don't say "GD" or "JC" in vain. I don't tell dirty jokes much. I don't look at hard core pornography. I don't backstab people. But this list is far more than that. It's not about degrees. It's about motives. Pleasing the flesh versus pleasing the Spirit. And it can only be done if you have the Spirit in you.

Being a Christian is not about what you call yourself on a survey. It's not about what you do and don't do. It's about your heart and the desires of your heart.

So - who is is that says you're a Christian? You? Or those around you and, most of all, God Himself?