I am a Christian, what does it really mean?
chidinmanwoha@yahoo.comMany people call themselves Christians, but what does it really mean to be a Christian?
As a young girl in boarding school, attending church every Sunday was mandatory. I knew that if I didn't go, I would feel guilty, as though I had committed a serious sin. Even when I wasn't expecting to learn much, I still went because attendance was required.
During the sermon, many students would fall asleep. Somehow, sleep seemed contagious. Yet, when it was time for praise and worship, everyone suddenly became energetic. On only a few occasions—especially when guest speakers ministered—did I truly sense God's presence.
As I grew older, my understanding changed completely. I began to appreciate the importance of being in God's house. I also started to understand prophecy and, more importantly, what it means to have a personal relationship with God.
Sadly, many Christians still attend church the way I once did. But that was never God's intention.
Church should be a place where our spiritual lives are refreshed, especially through the preaching of God's Word. Instead of leaving spiritually empty, believers should leave strengthened, encouraged, and transformed.
This raises an important question:
Is the preaching boring, or are believers allowing distractions and spiritual attacks—such as sleep, wandering thoughts, or lack of preparation—to rob them of what God wants to do?
Christianity Is More Than Religion
One thing I have observed is that many people confuse Christianity with religion.
Religion can become a box that limits people from experiencing everything God has prepared for them.
This was never God's original plan.
In the Garden of Eden, God created mankind to enjoy fellowship with Him and gave Adam and Eve everything they needed. Sin interrupted that relationship.
However, through Jesus Christ, God restored what humanity lost.
Now, every person has the opportunity to seek Him, walk with Him, and experience the abundant life He offers. God invites us into relationship, but He never forces Himself on anyone.
Christianity Is About Becoming Like Jesus
Christianity is centered on Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
To be a Christian means becoming more like Him every day.
Jesus Was Humble
Jesus never sought fame or recognition.
Although crowds followed Him because of His miracles, He remained humble.
There was even a time when people wanted to make Him king, but He quietly withdrew because His mission was to do His Father's will, not to gain earthly popularity.
Today, people often want to give titles or positions to successful individuals for personal gain.
Jesus teaches us that purpose is greater than popularity.
Jesus Lived to Please God, Not People
Jesus never changed the truth to make people comfortable.
He spoke with love, but He never compromised God's message.
His desire was always to please His Father.
Many people rejected Him because He spoke the truth.
Today's culture often teaches that pleasing people is the key to success.
The Bible teaches something different.
When we please God, He is able to open doors that no human effort can open.
As Proverbs 16:7 says:
"When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."
Jesus Never Compromised What Was Right
Jesus never apologized for doing what was right.
Today, people sometimes encourage others to apologize simply to "keep the peace," even when they have done nothing wrong.
While Christians should pursue peace, genuine peace should never come at the expense of truth.
God is not the author of confusion.
Jesus Chose His Relationships Wisely
Jesus loved everyone, including sinners.
However, He did not allow everyone into His inner circle.
He carefully chose His disciples, invested in them, and prepared them to spread the Gospel throughout the world.
This teaches us the importance of wisdom in choosing those who influence our lives.
Jesus Endured Suffering
Being God's Son did not exempt Jesus from suffering.
In fact, He experienced the greatest suffering because He carried the sins of the entire world.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed:
"Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
Even in His deepest pain, Jesus chose obedience.
His life reminds us that following God does not mean we will avoid trials, but it does mean God will be with us through them.
Christianity Is Not About Appearance
Christianity is not about appearing spiritual while living contrary to God's Word.
It is not about attending church every week while secretly living in sin.
It is not about being known as a pastor, church worker, prayer warrior, or choir member while neglecting personal holiness.
True Christianity transforms both our public and private lives.
You Cannot Buy God's Power
Sadly, some people today encourage believers to buy into another person's anointing.
This is not a biblical practice.
In Acts 8:9–24, Simon the Sorcerer attempted to purchase the power of God and was strongly rebuked.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:8:
"Freely you have received; freely give."
The Holy Spirit is God's gift—not something that can be bought or sold.
Religion Cannot Save You
Simply identifying as a Christian does not guarantee eternal life.
Religion without a relationship with Christ can become dangerous because it gives a false sense of security.
The Apostle Paul understood this.
He wrote:
"I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Paul constantly examined his own life because he desired to remain faithful to God.
We should do the same.
Christianity Brings Freedom
Following Jesus should never feel like a burden.
It should be a joyful journey of becoming more like Him.
Imagine praying for someone and seeing God heal them.
Imagine reading one verse of Scripture and realizing God is speaking directly to your situation.
Imagine living according to God's Word and watching Him transform your life.
That is the beauty of walking with Christ.
Your Relationship with God Is Personal
What happens if your pastor tells you one thing, but you sincerely believe God is leading you differently?
Many people automatically follow their pastor because they assume a "man of God" always hears correctly.
While God gives pastors to guide and teach His people, they are still human.
That is why every believer must develop a personal relationship with God.
Your pastor should help confirm what God has already been speaking to your heart—not replace your relationship with Him.
Reflexiones finales
There is a significant difference between practicing religion and living a Christ-like life.
Religion focuses on outward activities.
Christianity is about an inward transformation that produces outward fruit.
Jesus did not come merely to establish another religion.
He came to restore our relationship with the Father.
So don't settle for simply attending church.
Pursue Jesus.
Know His voice.
Study His Word.
Walk in obedience.
Become more like Christ every day.
That is what it truly means to be a Christian.
