Are You a “Good” Christian?

By Pastor Jeff,

Most if not of us have heard the term “Good Christian”, maybe you have asked the question or have been asked it. No doubt most Christian mothers and fathers are praying for a “Good” Christian spouse for their children. But what does the bible say?

I find it interesting that the term “Christian” is used but three times in the word of God, the first time is at Antioch in Acts 11:26, “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch”. The second time is when Paul is testifying before King Agrippa and the King replies in Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” The last time is found in 1Peter 4:16, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” Suffer? I imagine that puts some zip into your desire to become a Christian, doesn’t it? The word Christian means “follower of Christ”, which indeed is what we as Christians should be.

So do we have an example of what is a good Christian in these versus? So what are the qualities of a “good” Christian then? I suppose going to church every week would make you a good Christian? so if you go on only special occasions are you an average or bad Christian? one who reads his bible and prays everyday is a good Christian then, right? Sings the loudest? gives faithfully? I know, the ones who sit in the front of the church are! You see whenever you try to label someone as a good, average, or as a bad Christian you have a problem, because the bible does put those kind of labels on people.

It’s really about are you saved or unsaved, we really don’t have a right to be called Christians if we have not fulfilled the call to become “Born Again” as described in John 3:3 and 3:5 can we? Which on the day of Pentecost the apostle Peter made it clear on what we are supposed to do, Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  Being a Christian is really about the example Jesus gave in being servants. Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Luke 22:24-26, “And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.”

“Christians”,  followers of Christ, Matthew 4:19, “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” and Matthew 16:24,”Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” We are neither “Good” or “Average” or even “Bad” Christians, we are all sinners that have been pardoned by the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I Am nothing without Christ!

I’m a Christian, because I have Christ in me the hope of Glory!

picture care of: focusmagazine.org