Why Faith Is More Than an Accessory
In today’s world, it’s easy to claim an identity or adopt a label. Among these, calling oneself a Christian can sometimes become just another title—like a decorative accessory pinned to a lapel. True Christianity demands more than a superficial affiliation. It requires a deep, life-changing commitment that influences every aspect of life.
Why Faith Is More Than a Label
Introduction: More Than Just a Title
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to adopt a label? We put on team jerseys, wear company logos, or display bumper stickers to show where we stand. The same can happen with our faith. Sometimes, being called a “Christian” can feel just like wearing a name tag. It’s easy to put on. But what does it really mean? Is it just a title, or does it demand something deeper?
Christianity: More Than a Name
You recognize the outward signs of Christianity. People go to church on Sundays or wear a cross necklace. Others list “Christian” on social media. While there’s nothing wrong with these things, true faith is much more than appearances. Christianity is not merely a club to join. It is not just a box to check. It is a way of life that transforms us from the inside out.
The Danger of Surface-Level Faith
When faith becomes just a label, we run the risk of living on the surface. Jesus often spoke about the dangers of hypocrisy—acting one way in public while our hearts tell a different story. Surface-level faith can lead to spiritual stagnation, where nothing grows beneath the soil. It’s easy to say we believe. It is much harder to let that belief reshape our actions. Changing our relationships and our character is even more challenging.
Living Out the Faith
So, what does it look like to live out genuine Christian faith? It begins by adhering to Christ’s example. This means showing kindness to others. It involves forgiving those who hurt us. It also includes serving without expecting anything in return. Jesus didn’t just teach with words; He demonstrated love, humility, and courage wherever He went. True faith calls us to do the same, even when it’s hard or inconvenient.
Moving Beyond Labels
Faith is meant to be active and life-changing. It’s about more than the songs we sing or the symbols we wear. More importantly, it’s about the choices we make when no one is watching. Authentic Christianity means letting our beliefs shape our priorities, how we treat people, and how we respond to life’s challenges. When faith becomes action, it moves from being a label to a living reality.
Matthew 16:24: Self-Denial and Commitment
Jesus put it plainly in Matthew 16:24: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself. He should take up his cross. And he should follow me.” This isn’t about carrying a heavy load for its own sake. It’s about letting go of selfishness and comfort to pursue something greater. Pursuing Christ means making tough choices, putting others first, and sometimes going against the flow. It’s not always easy, but it’s the path to real transformation.
Valuing the Soul
Christ went on to ask, “What benefit is it for someone to gain the whole world? Yet they forfeit their soul.” (Matthew 16:26). Our souls are priceless. They matter more than any achievement, possession, or reputation. When we invest in authentic faith, we’re caring for something eternal—the very core of who we are. Real Christianity is about cherishing this deep, lasting relationship with God.
Conclusion: Choosing Authentic Faith
It’s easy to settle for a faith that’s comfortable, familiar, or just skin-deep. But the invitation of Christ is to something much richer. It is a faith that transforms, renews, and overflows into every part of our lives. Let’s choose to be Christians not just in name, but in heart, mind, and action. The journey is challenging, but the reward is a life lived with purpose, hope, and true belonging.
So, let’s take off the name tag and pick up the cross. Let’s pursue the faith that doesn’t just look good. It truly is good—changing us, and the world around us. This happens one step at a time.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 