BEING A CHRISTIAN

What does it mean to be a Christian? Many people claim to be Christians, but they do not necessarily live their lives by the words of Christ. There is still a lot of hate in this world. There is still a lot of discrimination against others on the basis of their race, gender, age, economic status, intelligence, religion, personal beliefs, and other reasons. It's not easy to accept or understand others who are different from us, but that's what Christ asks us to do.

Jesus said, "Love your enemies." (Matthew 5:44) While it is especially difficult to love those who might take advantage of us if they are given a chance, that is still the way of Christ. Jesus said, "Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you." (Matthew 7:1)

Many people practice bigotry towards others as a way of feeling superior. Even some of those who call themselves Christians do this. But this is not the way of God. "These people honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me." (Matthew 15:8)

It is not easy to be a true Christian. Very few people today would be willing to make the kind of sacrifices that Jesus and others have made for their faith. But we do not have to hate. We do not have to commit acts of violence. We do not have to tell lies or say negative things about others. We can still live our lives as peacefully as possible as God would want us to do.



…..David Sowards (davidsowards001@hotmail.com) by way of Eternal Ink (eternal_ink@associate.com) and “Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)