Wearing The Name Christian

The term "Christian" is found three times in the New Testament (Acts 11 :26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). Do we really realize what is involved when we take that hon­ored appellation to ourselves? The % nominational world uses it, but in ways not in harmony with the scriptures. As members of the Lord's church we should understand what is involved when we call ourselves "Christians." A Christian is more than simply a "baptized person," or a "church member," or a "weekly wor­shipper.” Let's look at some things it means when we wear the name of Christ.

[1] It means honor. Honor or dishonor may be, and generally are, attached to names. In Bible times, among the Jews, terms such as "gentile," or "Samaritan" were terms of dishonor. Do you think of honor or dishonor when you hear the name "Saddam?" Or for some of us older ones, perhaps % ?" On the other hand there are terms to which honor is attached. It may be "mother," or "Ameri­can," or any number of others. The early Christians wore the name of Christ proudly (1 Pet. 4:16), for they were wear­ing the name, not of an ordinance, a reli­gious system or an angel - but name of the Son of God! If you claim to be a Christian, but sure of this - you should wear that term honorably.

[2] It means reward. There are blessings which come with Christianity. The mate­rial things may be there, to be sure (Matt. 6:33; 7:11). But more importantly there are spiritual blessings, and these are only "in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). Finally, the prom­ise of heaven is held out to those who are Christians, and know that they wear the name of one who made heaven possible. Such promises are made to true believers, and never to the disobedient (John 8:24).

[3] It means responsibility. Wearing the name "American" brings upon us the duty of believing in our Constitution, practicing good citizenship, being patri­otic, etc. How about responsibility inher­ent in husband/wife; father/mother; par­ent/child relationship? If we are going to wear the name Christian, it means that we have responsibilities in that area also. As a disciple of Christ, the Christian is to learn. As a follower, he is to imitate. As a child, he is to obey, and as a servant he is to loyally work. All this says that the life of a Christian is one of duty (Lk. 17:10).

There is a vast difference in being a Christian and only wearing the name. It is interesting that the Bible, for want of a better term, speak of different kinds of Christians. There are strong and weak Christians ( Rom. 15:1). There are spiri­tual and ones (1 Cor. 3:1). There are hot and cold ones (Rev. 3:15), and stable or unstable ones (Eph. 4:14-16). The difference in these is that those mentioned first in the above list wear the name well; the others do not. The first are truly converted, the others gen­erally only half converted.

One may ask, "how can I tell if I am the Christian I ought to be?" Let me answer that by posing some questions, and the way you answer them will tell you clearly whether you are the sort of Christian you ought to be. So - here we go! Are you a Christian out of conven­ience or conviction? Are you a Chris­tian because your parents were, or is it what you really believe? Are you sepa­rated from the world in your conduct, recreation, language, dress, literature, or are you hand in hand with it? Are you truly devoted to the Lord's church? Is it first with you, or second? Do you truly love your brethren, or have no time for them? Do you attend the maximum or minimum number of worship services? Do I give to the Lord's work in a gen­erous or a miserly way? Do I appreciate strong preaching, or cringe and become offended if it divides truth from error? Am I trying to save the lost or am I in­sensitive to their spiritual plight? An­swer these - honestly, clearly and you can pretty well tell whether you are wear­ing the name "Christian" as you should.

Finally, we suggest three basic facts about wearing the name "Christian." If you wear it properly, you are wearing it voluntarily. Christ will not compel you to ­wear it. Each Christian ought to serve the Lord gladly; willingly (2 Cor. 12:5).

If you are wearing the name Christian properly, you are wearing it incessantly. That means wherever you go; whatever you do. You can't take it off and put it on depending on the occasion or location. Christianity is a daily exercise (Lk. 9:23).

Third, if you are wearing the name Chris­tian as you should, you are wearing it in­telligently. That means you are mindful of your influence on others. It means you understand what you duties are, and that you are aware that you will one day stand in judgment (2 Cor. 5:10). Let's all be serious about the matter of "wearing the name Christian." Put the frivolity and carelessness aside, and wear it as you should. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

Some of the greatest living things in the Taylors church are the little ones that we have in abundance. As parents, do you ever wonder how you appear to them? A short time ago I was talking with one of our young ladies, and asked her a ques­tion you don't normally ask ladies - but I dared, so I did it. I asked her, "and how old are you now?" She quickly re­sponded, "well, I'm four." Then my next question was, "how old is your sister?" Just as quickly she said, "she's two?" Doing pretty good so far, so I asked, "how old is your brother?" "Oh, he's seven," she said. Can you guess what's coming next? Lemme tell you. I asked then, "how old is your dad?" And she never hesitated, saying, "he's five hun­dred." Wow! Well, I had one more to go, and was curious as to what she would say about Mom. So here I went ­"how old is your Mom?" Boy, did I get a shock, because she said "my Mom is ten hundred!"

Now I am aware that any who may read this will immediately start trying to fig­ure out who I was talking to - including her parents! I can't help it if you figure it out - I'm just telling you the facts!

It really won't make much difference how old you appear to your children, but it will make a world of difference how you conduct yourselves before them. They have a way of telling everything  they know - especially if you ask them! I'm sure glad we have a lot of good ex­amples in parents here! - Bill M