And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
- Acts 11: 26
What does it mean to call ourselves "Christian?" A better question: "What does it mean to BE "Christian?" The first is much easier than the second. To say I am something, or that I believe (in) something, is really no challenge. To BE something requires life validation. To BE the thing we claim, we must deeply believe (in) that thing, with the requisite life-change and lifestyle.
Interestingly, it was not Christians that first called themselves "Christian." They were so designated by others. People in Antioch began to use the term for followers of Jesus; the far away prophet who had been killed and, the spreading stories reported, had been resurrected. The word literally means "followers of Christ." In the common vernacular it was derogatory, and carried a tongue-in-cheek sarcastic meaning of, "little Christs." Though the believers originally rejected the term, eventually the sense was, "'Followers of Jesus,' 'little Christs,' we can live with that." They were called Christian because they lived like Christians; because they were Christians.
"Christian" (the word) has lost much of its authenticity and power in our culture. We have "Christian music," "Christian restaurants," "Christian comedy," "Christian theme parks," ad infinitum. And that's all fine. But there is really no such thing as a Christian sandwich. There are only Christian people - followers of Jesus. The transformed (and transforming); those who have joined him in his mission. Jesus said the overarching distinguishing characteristic of his followers would be love for one another (John 13:35). The people of Antioch noticed it.
So the question: Is there anything distinguishing about me? Not some fake, "Look at me while I do religious stuff," kind of distinguishing. Is there authenticity, love, and to go back a couple chapters, grace and power?"
We need to self-evaluate. But we need not be self-critical. Remember we are all works-in-progress. That is the transformING part of being transformed. We need to see ourselves the way God sees us. And how is that? As Christians, little Christs. Those who have the Spirit of the living Jesus alive in us.
God, I want to BE Christian.
For now...
D
