What’s a “doctor”? A person who treats the illnesses of living beings. What’s a plumber? A person who creates a system to provide water. What’s an engineer? A person who figures out how to provide physical solutions. What’s a Christian? Huh…well, a person who lives life without fun or satisfaction and always does the right thing? Seems that might be a possible definition that gets thrown out there. That’s really spinning it negatively. But what is it then? So many are trying to conduct this life this way, but making it up as they go?
In 1 John 3:1-3 – this gets some clarification. John writes: “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it — we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.”
Anyone who commits (surrenders) to the forgiveness and guidance of God through His Spirit given to live inside is a “child of God”. Not naturally-born that way, but adopted. Having a naturally created baby is amazing, but to adopt one is a distinct, pre-mediated commitment. God spiritually adopts all who believe and gives them the same care, love and expectations He does those born to Him naturally (Jewish Nation).
Some children of parents are easily identifiable by their physical resemblance or their persona. God’s “kids” are the expected to be the same. And how God’s kids are is completely new to this culture they live in. John adds, “But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.”. Paul wrote in 1 Cor 1:18-19 – The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” What’s God “up to”? To re-establish a close relationship with all who have wondered in life away from Him.
So what’s a Christian? Again John – “But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him — and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.”. Two things are vital once we recognize what a Christian is: 1) they live life trying to reproduce the life Christ lead on earth; 2) we live this way not just to present the example, but to be ready for His return. This is also known as the narrow path…there are scads of negative ways to live and way less proper ways to live out who Christ is. Ask any gymnast and they’ll tell you that walking a narrow path requires focus and effort. So does living out the CHRISTIAN (Christ-resembling) life. So no matter what a person tells you about their “faith”, you can confirm or doubt based upon how they conduct their life. Match what Jesus did or not. A true child of God matches more than contrasts.
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