Have you ever asked yourself this question? Maybe you’re concerned about calling yourself a Christian because of the negative connotations that can come along with it. Maybe you’ve had bad experiences with those who have called themselves Christians, or maybe you’re just not quite sure what being a Christian means. Put simply, a Christian is a Christ follower. This term was coined during the time of the early church to identify the disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). Being a Christian means that we recognize our sinful nature and feel remorse over it! We trust in Jesus, our Messiah, Who died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and then rose to life three days later to conquer death and give us eternal life! But here’s something I often need to check in with myself about: am I a Christian just so I don’t go to hell? Am I a Christian just because my friends and family members are Christians? Or am I a Christian because I recognize my sinfulness and realize that I need the mercy of the almighty God to cleanse me from my sins?

Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matthew 22:28 NLT

Jesus spoke this phrase when discussing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (highly esteemed teachers of the Jewish law back in those times). Basically, they were ruthless on the Jewish people, demanding them to follow the law perfectly, but being more lenient on themselves (Matthew 23:2-4). They definitely weren’t walking their talk. When you’re constantly demanding someone else to live up to a certain set of standards, but you’re not willing to put in the effort to hold yourself to those same standards, this is hypocrisy! You could be saying all the “right” things to look like a “good” Christian to the public eye, but if your heart is unrepentant, things will not go well for you in the end (Matthew 23:27).

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

Matthew 23:23 NLT

Let’s not get so caught up in following all the laws and regulations that we forget the importance loving God and showing the love of God to others. If we focus on truly loving God and others, the fulfillment of all of His laws will be produced through that expression of love (Matthew 22:36-40). If we truly love God, we won’t be taking His name in vain, making idols of any other earthly things, or forgetting to dedicate time to worship and rest in Him (Deuteronomy 5:7-15). If we truly love others, we won’t be unfaithful to our spouse, murder anyone, steal, lie, or dishonor our parents (Deuteronomy 5:16-21).

The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Matthew 23:11-12 NLT

We also shouldn’t be walking around putting on a “holier-than-thou” attitude, acting like we’re better than everyone else because we’re Christians. This is not an example of a true Christian. In reality, we ought to be humbled because we realize the gravity of our sin and fallenness and recognize the great mercy of our God to provide salvation for us! We must serve as Jesus served, and remember that our reward will be eternity in heaven with our Father God.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21 ESV

So… why am I a Christian? Because I am an utterly hopeless, sinful person. I can’t save myself. I am awestruck by our God Who loves me so much that He sent His only Son to die for me so that I can live forever with Him if I just believe in Him and accept His gift of forgiveness. I will not live as my old, sinful self anymore (Romans 6:1-4). I have been redeemed and renewed through Christ! Therefore, life is going to look a lot different. I’m going to strive to follow the example of Jesus and give Him glory in everything I do. I definitely will not be perfect, but God will be with me through my struggles. He will be there to forgive me and put me on the right path again (Proverbs 3:5-6). If I seek Him with my whole heart, I will find Him – and you can, too.