THE MARKS OF A TRUE CHRISTIAN

      In the beginning the word "Christian" (first used in Antioch) was a noun. Rather than being a "Christian merchant" or a "Christian mechanic," Christians were men or women who had surrendered their lives to Christ and who lived for him. They were quite intentional about this, and when they arose to meet the day, they would ask themselves, "What can I do to serve and honor Christ today"? Thus, their primary vocation was that of being a Christian and whatever they did for a paycheck just made it possible for them to pursue their real work. Denominations didn't exist. Elegant cathedrals and grand meeting halls didn't house the church because the church was the people of God... and they were here, there, and everywhere... serving God with the gifts and talents that He had given to them. Being a Christian was something people were, and others could distinguish them by the fruit that they bore. Christians marched to a different drummer. They had different priorities, and their idea of what it meant to be successful was at odds with the prevailing notions in society. Christians weren't simply a "bit nicer," or more likely to attend church . No, the difference between Christians and others was deep and profound, and it had to do with whom one was worshiping and serving. While others were worshiping themselves and their money, Christians worshiped their God. Their hearts were given to a different master... but it was more than a way of thinking or feeling... because people serve what they worship! They attempt to please their lords; they learn as much as they can about them; they love to spend time with them... and they try really hard to obey them! Indeed, others can easily tell whom you and I are really worshiping by the priorities we display, and by the way in which we live... for the way in which we live is the real measure of what or whom we are worshiping. 
      We're prone to think that what or whom we love is a private matter- a secret that we share only with God- but in truth... our gods and lovers are plain for everyone to see! If we worship possessions, they'll be be on display; if we worship alcohol, people will see that we can't live without it; and if we worship Christ, people will see that too... in the way that we live! Christians are NOT defined by the churches they attend or the things that they know... but rather by the things that they DO... in day-to-day living. Entire books are written on Christian behavior, but I would suggest that we have a lot of room for growth if the behaviors listed below do not describe us.  According to Scripture (read Paul's letters and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount), Christians are those who:
1.      Speak the truth in love (where truth and love both matter);
2.      Hold fast to what is good (even when it's not easy);
3.      Outdo one another in showing honor (be competitive in this area);
4.      Live in harmony with others.. (you count and they do too);
5.      Go out of their way to maintain the peace (avoid gossip-seek reconciliation);
6.      Distance themselves from all that is unholy (no one can serve two masters);
7.      Forgive and love others as God has forgiven and loved them;
8.      Thirst and hunger for righteousness (and things that build them up);
9.      Weep over a broken and hurting world (it's worth crying about);
10.     Have a passion for God-talk (in prayer, fellowship, and Bible study);
11.     See and respond to Christ as he appears in the least among them;
12.     Won't leave home... without their cross AND their armor.
      If you and I are doing these things, we are on the right track. If we're not, then we are kidding ourselves. It is as simple as that!