Words are often thrown around with little to no thought. Someone might proclaim they love their wife, and use the same word to describe how they feel about cheesecake. However, we know they don’t feel the same about their wife as they do about cheesecake. Someone might say, “My head literally exploded,” to describe their anger. However, we know their head didn’t literally explode, or they wouldn’t be telling us how mad they were. We aren’t always as careful as we should be about choosing which words to use. When choosing a word, we must first understand the meaning, and then use it appropriately.

One of the words that is carelessly thrown around is ‘Christian.’ Some might describe America as a ‘Christian’ nation. Some might say the best word to describe themselves would be ‘Christian.’ What are we saying when we use that word? Are we using that word correctly? Is ‘Christian’ an apt description for you? Is America a ‘Christian’ nation? ‘Christian’ is a word that should be used truthfully. If we call ourselves a ‘Christian’ then we should act the part. However, in order to do that we must know what ‘Christian’ means.

The word ‘Christian’ finds its origin in the first century. “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). ‘Christian’ is used to describe disciples. ‘Disciple’ means one who follows one’s teaching. It is obvious the teacher is Christ. ‘Christian’ portrays this same idea. Dictionary.com defines the suffix ‘ian’ as “belonging to or relating to; typical of or resembling; adhering to or following.” A ‘Christ-ian’ is one who belongs to Christ. He resembles Christ. He adheres to, and follows Christ’s teaching. It is an honorable title. It is a privilege to be able to wear the name ‘Christian.’ Does this word fit your life?

Do you belong to Christ?

How do we enter a relationship where we belong to Christ? Paul says, “If then you were raised with Christ…you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1, 3). In order to belong to Christ we must put our old man to death. For “god is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). This is accomplished through baptism. Paul describes baptism as being buried with Christ into death, and being raised with Him to walk in newness of life (cf. Romans 6:4). By doing this we are united with Christ (cf. 6:5-11)!

Does your life resemble Christ?

Christians are to strive to live as Christ lived. Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul was truly living a life that resembled Christ. He told the church in Galatia, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit” (John 15:5). We can only resemble Christ if we abide in Him. We know that we abide in Him if we bear the same fruit as He – the fruit of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22-25).

Do you adhere to Christ’s teaching?

Part of resembling Christ is adhering to His doctrine. A popular movement in the religious world is the exclusion of doctrine. The idea is that love is apart from doctrine, and that doctrine is not essential to salvation. However, Christians are those who follow Christ’s doctrine! Paul told Timothy, “take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). Doctrine saves! You cannot call yourself a Christian if you don’t follow all of the doctrine in scripture.

You call yourself a Christian? Do you know what that means? Are you living the life of a Christian? Let us examine our lives to ensure we are worthy of wearing the title ‘Christian.’ If you are a Christian you belong to Christ, your life resembles Christ’s life, and you adhere to His doctrine!