Why I Am A Christian 2

Following Jesus is hard.

It is really hard.

In fact, following Jesus is impossible without radical repentance—defined as a complete reversal in how one thinks. 

Don’t overlook the importance of repentance as being a reversal in thinking.

In my last post I addressed the issue of “Why I am a Christian.” Granted it was not the popular explanation many might expect and I am sure it may have raised a few eyebrows.

But you see there is a monumental difference between one’s claim of “being a Christian’ and one’s claim of ‘being a follower of Jesus.” 

In other words, it’s one thing to identify yourself as a Christian (nominal) and quite another to follow the teachings of Jesus (disciple).

As I have said earlier, being a Christian for many is understood as having invited Jesus into your heart and confessed him as your Lord and Savior and saying a formulaic “sinner’s prayer.” 

This creates one’s Christian identity, but in name only. Nothing else is really needed and the best part:we have always been told: 

It’s free!

That sounds all good and well and it fits the profile of the popular definition of a Christian for so many today; unfortunately it’s not Biblical. Jesus never told us to do any of those things in order to become his follower. 

In fact, and this will surprise many (maybe anger a few), Jesus never once told anyone to become a Christian.

So what did Jesus say we should do?

“Follow me.” 

In fact those who first followed Jesus were not called Christians but rather were called “The Way” (a great metaphor that has unfortunately fallen into disuse).

Those of the Way were later called “Christians” at a place called Antioch, and many scholars believe the Romans invented this moniker as a way to poke fun of the followers of Jesus. 

Ironically the moniker “Christian” became the Roman Empire’s official designation for the once fledging Jesus movement and “Christianity” became the name of the now State supported religion. 

So let’s return to the notion of what it means to follow Jesus and his teachings today:

I must warn you however that seriously following the teachings of Jesus can be both dangerous and risky. 

If a follower of Jesus names racism for what it is, whether it is in the individual or structural form, one is often cast as a liberal or in some instances anti-American. Yet we are called to rise above all forms of racism.

Or if a Jesus follower takes a public stand on the issue of climate change and the potential damaging effects it may have on our future one is then accused of being a tree-hugger or a member of some green party. Yet we are commissioned by God to be good managers of the earth.

Or if a Jesus follower demonstrates compassion towards the homeless he or she is often accused of being a supporter of those who don’t work or who are lazy. Yet we are called to show compassion to the poor and to resist any and all economic injustice.

If a Jesus follower protests for peace he or she is often considered unpatriotic or hates America. Yet Jesus said that the peacemakers will be called children of God and by implication not those who make war.

If one demonstrated the capacity to love when others call for revenge or retributive violence then one is dubbed a weakling. Yet Jesus said that we are to pray for those who persecute us and to love our enemies. We are to model reconciliation and not retaliation.

Finally, if one does not affiliate oneself with any particular political movement because of an abiding commitment to Christ’s kingdom then one is considered unpatriotic. Yet we are called put God’s kingdom first in our lives, even before our nation. 

There may be many reasons why one would claim to be a Christian these days but these are just a few that I can recount. 

I am a Christian because I have decided to follow Jesus in spite of the dangers and the risks. Now please understand that none of us do so in a perfect manner. I often disappoint God and those who love me because I sometimes given in to cowardice and fear when called to follow Jesus into the tough places and situations in our world.

But God’s grace is sufficient for us to keep at it no matter the consequences. Remember when Jesus said “follow me” he also said: 

“I will be with you even until the end of the age.” 

Take courage and fear not. Following Jesus may be hard but it is far from impossible.