In my last blog, I responded to a young boy who asked how to become a Christian.  I suggested among other things, “to act like a Christian.”

When he came back a few days later, he asked, “What is a Christian?”

How do you define a Christian?

I went to my computer and asked google that question. Here are some of the responses:

• used as an adjective: “relating to, or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings
• used as a noun: a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ.

This young boy was not interested in a semantic explanation. He listened attentively to my definition.  “A Christian is a person who has put his faith and trust in the person,  works, and teachings of Jesus Christ.  That includes His death on the cross as atonement for our sins and his subsequent resurrection.”

He looked confused, so I said, “A true Christian exhibits a love for others and obedience to God’s word. (1 John 2:4)”   He gave me a big smile, and I continued, “God gave us some rules to live by called commandments.  When asked which was the most important, Jesus replied,  “… you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 NIV

I had previously suggested he learn to act like a Christian.  But I warned him that not all people who went to church were true Christian, nor are all those who professed to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  “Observe carefully, listen well, and choose to follow those who appear to be most Christ-like.”

This places a heavy burden on all of us who profess to be Christian.  We are constantly observed and heard by others.  Are we always a good example for that young boy or others seeking to become Christian in thought, word, and deed?