Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB)
Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins. He was buried and then rose from the grave. He appeared to hundreds of people before His ascension into heaven.
And a new faith was begun.
It wasn’t too long before a new term was used: Christian (see Acts 11:26). Out of curiosity, I decided to Google “definition of Christian.” Webster’s simply says, “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” But that seems too simple. Many people profess to believe in Christ, but belief isn’t enough. After all, “the demons also believe, and shudder” (James 2:19).
Another online dictionary states that a Christian is one who “profess[es] belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus” (thefreedictionary.com).
Yet even that seems lacking.
The best definition—for me at least—is Christ-follower or one who strives to live like Christ. Or as Paul writes, one who imitates Christ.
Today, some Christians don’t like the term because the world equates “Christian” with “hypocrite.” And yes, many people have done some really hurtful things in the name of Christianity.
But what if those of us who bear the name of our Savior really did all we could do to live like Christ, to imitate Him?
To love others as ourselves. To be willing to lay down our lives for others. To be gentle and kind and humble.
Then perhaps the term would be revered—even among those who choose not to follow Christ.
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