This was written in 2007 or 2008, as part of my college application process. I hope I have grown as both a Christian and a writer since then, but this represents a stage in my development.
What Being a Christian Means to Me
To me, being a Christian means living a transformed life. Not a perfect life, but a life that reflects Christ more and more. A life that daily requires crucifixion of my carnal nature. A life that relies on the living God for strength from day from day. A life that experiences the freedom that can be ours through the atoning work of the Messiah.
I know that as long as I am on this earth I have the ability to sin. My sin nature will keep tugging at me, trying to get me to slide back into sin. And I haven’t always experienced the freedom in Christ that I could have. I know what it’s like to be trapped in sin. I am fully aware that on my own I am no match for the devil. I have tried to face temptation with my own strength and it’s basically a suicide mission. I have yielded to Satan much ground in a particular area. And although the struggle continues, through the grace of God I want to continue reclaiming that ground and living victoriously over sin.
To me, being a Christian includes membership in a local body of believers. I believe that membership, or at least regular attendance, at a Biblical church is essential to spiritual growth. Churches provide opportunities to serve, spiritual instruction and encouragement, and godly counsel.
To me, being a Christian includes living a life that is consistent with Biblical commands. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, that we were bought with a price, and that we ought to glorify God in our bodies. With those verses in mind, I believe that the use of alcohol, tobacco, etc. has no place in the life of a Christian.
To me, being a Christian also includes abstaining from anything that pollutes the mind. We cannot be transformed by God unless our minds are renewed.
To me, being a Christian includes seriously considering what God’s will for my life is. Whatever my career, my goal should be to live a life of service to others, following the example of Jesus, who did not come to be served, but rather to serve.
To me, being a Christian includes fulfilling the Great Commission in my everyday life by seeking to share the Gospel with the people I come into contact with. I am a member of the Pocket Testament League and receive Gospels of John to hand out. I believe that God desires for us to have a Great Commission mindset- being prepared at any time to share the Good News with anyone.
To me, being a Christian includes spending time in prayer and Bible study. I believe that God can speak to us through His Word if we are quiet before Him and I feel it is important for Christians to hear from God in that way.
To me, being a Christian includes living in submission to the authorities God has placed over me. I am to obey authorities in every instance expect when doing so would require me to contradict God’s Word.
In conclusion, as a Christian I recognize that I am saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. My relationship with Him should always be my first priority, and I should be constantly seeking to grow in my walk with the Master.
