In a world where it’s easy to wear labels, calling ourselves “Christians” carries a weight that transcends mere words. It’s more than a title. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a reflection of Christ’s life changing work in us. It’s a commitment to live according to the teachings of Scripture. How often do we pause to ask ourselves this? Are we truly living as Christians in our deeds? Or are we just saying the words?
Faith Without Works Is Dead
The book of James makes a powerful statement: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). This reminds us that proclaiming faith in Christ must be accompanied by actions that reflect that faith. Living as a Christian is not just about attending church on Sundays, reciting verses, or identifying with Christianity in name. It’s about embodying the values that Jesus displayed—humility, compassion, forgiveness, and love—every single day. Our faith must have hands and feet. It should move us to act. We should serve. We must forgive and love, even when it’s difficult.
Christlike Character: The True Measure
Jesus didn’t simply preach love; He lived it. He didn’t just talk about serving others; He knelt down and washed His disciples’ feet. He didn’t just teach forgiveness; He asked for it for those who crucified Him. To be a Christian is to follow His example, to make His character the blueprint for our lives.
Do we extend grace to those who hurt us? Do we care for the marginalized, the poor, and the brokenhearted? Do we pursue peace and justice in our homes, communities, and workplaces? Being a Christian means exhibiting Christ’s character in our words and, more importantly, in our deeds.
Living the Scripture, Not Just Quoting It
It’s easy to quote the Bible, but far more challenging to live by it. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He responded. He said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is not passive; it’s active. It calls us to step out of our comfort zones. We are encouraged to act with kindness even when it’s inconvenient. We are urged to choose forgiveness over bitterness.
Scripture is a guide to living a life that pleases God, not just a book of principles to recite. It’s in living out its teachings that we show the world who Christ is.
The Challenge: Authentic Witness
The world is watching. People are not drawn to Christ by empty words. They are drawn by the evidence of His love and power in our lives. Are we patient when others are quick to anger? Do we serve selflessly when others seek gain? Do we stand for truth and righteousness even when it costs us? These are the behaviors that mark us as followers of Christ.
It’s not about being perfect—none of us are. It’s about striving daily to align our hearts, minds, and actions with the example Jesus set for us. When we fail, we repent and seek His grace to do better.
Being Christians in Deeds
The call to be a Christian is not a call to a comfortable life. It’s a call to a Christlike life. It’s a high standard, one that requires daily surrender and a willingness to let God shape us. It’s not about how loud we shout our faith but about how faithfully we live it.
As we walk this journey, let us remember: The world doesn’t need more people calling themselves Christians. It needs more people living as Christians—humbly, authentically, and wholeheartedly. Let our faith be seen in how we treat others, in how we love, and in how we serve. After all, the best testimony we can offer is a life that reflects Jesus.
May we all strive to be Christians not just in words but in deeds. Let our lives speak louder than anything we ever say.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 