Before You Say 'I'm Christian'

Walk up to a person finely clothed in an exceptionally colourful garment on a Sunday morning and ask: "You are a Christian right"? If you're lucky enough to meet a not too normal person, you may get the mild reply: "Of course, are you blind"? If you're as troublesome as someone I know, you'll probably reply: "hey! Is there a sticker on your forehead stating that you are a Christian? I know people who go to the beer parlour on Sunday morning carrying those mighty large print when-I-hit-your-head-with-this-you-will-be-delivered bible"…  I guess it's not too hard to start a fight even on the Sabbath.

Back to the topic, what virtue do have to possess before you call yourself a Christian? What requirements or qualifications do you have to possess? Is it a sticker on your forehead or willingly doing community work in an overflowing garment commonly called 'Sweep Lagos Clean'? Well, it's none of the above.

You are not a Christian because your parents are Christians. No one was born a Christian, you make that choice. You don't become a Christian, you grow into a Christian. You are not a Christian because you go to church (though it's advisable you go) neither are you a Christian because you can quote every single bible verse. You are not a Christian because you claim you have been saved. Even if you have been baptized you are not yet qualified to call yourself a Christian if such baptism has been unproductive and unfruitful.

In short, Christianity lies not in words but in deeds. Nothing you say would make you a Christian but, everything you do determines whether you are one. If you don't do what your Oga succeeded in doing, how can you call yourself a representative of your Oga. You should be aware that Christian literally means 'followers of Christ'. The phrase 'followers of Christ' is bound to be misunderstood, misinterpreted and slandered. Check out Acts 11: 25 where the word Christian was first mentioned. There were some guys, followers of Christ, in a particular city and carried out some exploits which made people refer to them as 'followers'; Christians. If you haven't done something similar, don't bother calling yourself a Christian. Aren't you curious to know what they did? Take a peek into your bible. For better understanding, you could read the whole book of Acts.

WARNING: Do not continue if you haven't read the verse above.

After reading the verse above and re-examining your life, if you insist to call yourself a Christian, you know better and God knows best.

 

Are you a Christian? Examine your life!