Being a Christian is not so much about what we do as it is about who we are and who we are has everything to do with whose we are.
1 Corinthians 6:20, For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Having said that, who we are is developed by what we do and why it is what we do that identifies who we are and who we belong to. True Christianity is a reflection of the life of Christ. In other words, being a Christian means we will do things that are identified as Christian or Christ-like. The bottom line is belonging, being and doing are so closely related they can't be separated.
The Bible tells us when we repent of our sins and receive what Jesus did on the cross for us. That He died in our place to pay our debt and forgive us of our sins. When we are born again and the Spirit of God indwells us, our life is hidden in Him. We become a Christian at that moment and we will reflect that change.
Colossians 3:1, Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him - 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
As Christians, let our lives reflect the wonders and privilege of a new life in Christ.
-- Pastor Leo Kruger of Valley Christian Fellowship is a member of Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
