So what makes a Christian? Is it what you do? Is it the things you do that get seen before others that identifies you? Is the money you give? Is the things you have? Is it your denomination and how big a crowd of people that believe the same as you that solidifies who you are? What is it that makes you a Christian? The simple truth is this - what identifies a Christian is to whom that person belongs. The word Christian originates from a Greek word that means "Christ-One" or "Christ-like". The Bible tells us that "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" in Acts 11 simply because when people were around them they way they spoke, acted and conducted themselves reminded them of Jesus. It was plain to see who they belonged to because they were like Jesus - they were "Christ-like". When people observed these followers of Jesus they saw selfless love, they saw truth, they saw boldness, they saw compassion, they saw the heart of God and they didn't need any more proof to know who these people had been with and had been exposed to. Guys, we live in a pretty dark world right now - the state of things both inside and outside the church is bleak to say the least. The love of money reigns and rules this world, selfless love is becoming more rare by the day and the truth is becoming harder to find as it's mixed in with so many contaminants from this world.
But this is all the more reason to rise up and be the light this world needs. It's all the more reason to raise your voice and let people know to whom you belong. There is only one hope for this world and only one way to true peace - His Name is Jesus. We live in a war torn world where passenger airplanes are shot out of the sky and precious lives are extinguished at the press of a button. Lives that had immeasurable value in God's eyes. Lives that God had plans for. Can I encourage you today to pray and ask God to raise up the soldiers of His Kingdom? Pray that the Lord of the Harvest sends more light bearers out into this cold dark world to bring His love, His truth and His hope to where it's needed most.
Of ourselves we cant do anything. Anything we do or have is simply because of the mercy, grace and provision of our Father in Heaven. We are all just little children in His eyes. Little swords lying on the ground. But if we submit to His hand... If we give up our plans, our desires, our pursuit of fame and fortune and instead pursue His Kingdom and His heart then this dark world can be reached. There was a time when children fought giants in the Name of God... and won. It's time the children of God stood up again. It's time the giants of fear, depression, greed, lust and sickness fell to the earth. It's time their heads were raised before others to show the power that comes when we humbly bow before our King as little children... and are raised as soldiers and conquerors for His Kingdom. It's time the world saw what true freedom looks like. It looks like Jesus. It's time...
