Now there’s a positive word! Many of us think of ourselves as a Christian and that’s the true path Jesus desires us to follow. However, there are many that would consider that word to be a negative, which is most unfortunate. Their impression of that label is Christians may think we are better than others and hold ourselves above them, as on a pedestal. I read a quote in “The Catholic Company” by St. Ignatius of Antioch which he says, “It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one. Yes, if I prove to be one, then I can have the name.” I read that “a true Christian is indeed a child of God, a part of God’s true family, and one who has been given new life in Jesus Christ.” Most of us would agree that we attempt every day to prove worthy of that name; but I also think, unfortunately, that we fail way too many times to count.
Just when we think we’re making progress or finally got it right, we fall. I encountered a situation many years ago when I was called out for my behavior as “not acting very Christian.” He wanted to know why I even bothered to go to church. It devastated me because I thought, “Maybe he’s right.” But then I read this quote that gave me confirmation on why I do go to church and why I am worthy to call myself a Christian. “I never want to be the kind of Christian who portrays themselves as perfect. I have flaws and I have struggles; that’s why I need Jesus.” That’s a powerful statement and, more importantly, gives me hope (and calmed me down). I know I am not perfect – There is only One that deserves that title – Jesus!
Our goal should be to follow Him as best we are able, so that He sees our hearts are sincere. Jesus knows that we are imperfect human beings, every single one of us. The only difference is, as Christians, we keep picking ourselves up from the sins we commit and keep on walking with Him. It doesn’t make me any better than the next person. I am a sinner. I am imperfect. I need Jesus, my Lord and Savior. The minute we start believing that we can spend our time on earth without our higher being, is the minute we lose our hope and true joy on this earth.
So, let’s strive to be worthy of the title “Christian”, but also accept that we are imperfect human beings. I’m proud to call myself a Christian. I don’t know about you, but, even when I fail (and I know I will) I will keep my eyes focused on Jesus and trust that He will be there reaching out to me! I pray that you will do the same. Amen.
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 1 Peter 4:16
From God's Lips 