What does it mean to be a Christian?

I often challenge myself to the simple question, what does it mean to be a Christian?

I show up each day to my place of employment, often wondering, do I put my best forth to be like Christ today? 

We like to put people in little boxes, labels and all.  Some even get ribbon and bows on top.  I know, I certainly get along better with people, once I know what little box they belong in.  We think to ourselves that people in little boxes are easier for us.  We can understand and better to exist with those in each little box.  One for the loving one, one for the peacemaker, one for that grumpy one.   But is that really true? 

I can fun, crazy and flirtatious without being a drunk, foolish, adulterer.  At any moment, I could be put in a box that I don't think I below in.  I want to be in a good box.  But do I show up each day with love, patience, understanding and kindness?   Simple truth and only truth that we should cling to is to love on another.   Could that be my box?  

I may not be as wise as Solomon, as brave as Daniel, or as bold as Paul,  but the assurance I will cling to is the faith of loving others more than myself,  dying to my fleshly desires, and trusting in the one who gave his life so I may live.  I know what box I want to be in... Like most of us.  No box at all.

Christianity in a whole is often put in a box.  Sometime that box is pretty beat up, looking really bad.  Other times that box is as deceiving as it can be.  Beautiful wrappings and a bow like no one has ever seen before.

I know deep down what it means to be a Christian without being in that little box most of us have put Christians in.  I know what it means to humble yourself and put others first.  I don’t always do it.  I am often selfish, prideful and above all greedy.  My heart aches when I feel like I am not doing enough – serving those in need.  I know that I am wealthier, both physically and spiritually - but I still long for more. 

I know that being a Christian is looking really at the heart of a person and not the status of who they are.    I do my best to love my Muslim neighbor, my Jewish friend, and my agnostic co-worker.  I want to live so those who don’t know Him will want to know Him, because they know me.  I will not judge the homosexual, hate the murder, or be afraid of persecutions of others who feel I am wrong.  But not all Christians do that.  Many of us still use those boxes to make our life safer, or easier. 

As for me, I am just a spiritual child of God, doing my best to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly in his ways.  You can put me in any box you would like...  I just want to warn you that I am a bit claustrophobic and every now and then I have the desire to jump out and try and scream “surprise.”   It’s just the kind of person I am. 

Romans 2:1 says " You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."

So what does it mean to be a Christian?  Jesus himself never called his followers Christians, that’s a term we made up.   More importantly He didn’t label people either and put them in little boxes.  Both followers or not, He loved them all the same.   As should we... us ... you know...  Christians.