Am I Truly a Christian?

I currently work with some missionaries in places where Christians experience different levels of persecution from being stoned for their faith, arrested for evangelizing and deported for being a foreign Christian missionary. Now, an interesting question came up in a recent Bible study - If you were arrested is there enough evidence to convict you for being a Christian? Sadly, my very quick response was, “No.” I personally don’t think I have the evidence to be convicted as a Christian. Yes, I study my Bible and pray every day. Yes, I tithe and I meet with other believers, usually online though. Yes, I work as a support to missionaries, and I watch mostly Christian movies and listen to almost only Christian music. But is that it? Would that be enough evidence for me to be convicted if I were to be arrested for my walk with Christ? Maybe in man’s court, but there still may be some skepticism since I don’t spread the Gospel as I should, which was Jesus’ commission to His disciples after His resurrection.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15

This is very important for all Christians to do. However, many may do all the things previously mentioned, but still may not be judged a true follower of Christ in God’s courtroom as the Lord looks deeper, right at the heart. Would He find us worthy of our calling? I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I am humble or gentle enough. I wouldn’t consider myself patient and I would prefer walking away rather than getting involved in certain difficult situations that some people may be going through. This is unlike Jesus who was right there at the well speaking to the scorned Samaritan woman. The fruit of the Spirit that I bear may be more sour than sweet, falling short of the glory of God.

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Many persons who are called believers can look like a Christian from outward appearances. But if you look deeper beyond the surface, their Christian character may raise some doubts. Another important question was asked in Bible study - Would the person close to you, seeing how you live call 911 (the police) on you for being a Christian? This question is even more significant than the first because those closer to you will more than likely see the real you. Some mothers who are gentle seemingly caring counsellors to those who are hurting at church, may break under pressure at home resulting in them using abusive words to their children. Hard working fathers in the church may be distant and unapproachable at home leaving their children and wives to wonder if they truly love them. What you may see outside, is not what you get at home as many are hiding behind facades pretending in order to make a good impression to others. We are called to be imitators of God, not pretenders hoping to gain a good reputation with those around us.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

We cannot go on pretending to have a right relationship with Christ forever as whatever is hidden will be exposed (see Luke 8:17) and facades will not get us into Heaven. It is best to ask God to search us and see if there is any wicked way in us. (See Psalm 139:24). When He reveals to us any way that is not pleasing to Him in our hearts, then we must repent and turn back on His path. This is not easy because old ways can be difficult to eradicate, but the Holy Spirit empowers us.

Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it. Colossians 3:9-10

Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. Romans 6:6

It is time for us to come out of bondage by stop lying to others about who we really are and maybe we are even lying to ourselves. Let us each ask the question, “Am I truly a Christian?” It is important to take time to ponder our lives before responding. I have asked myself this question and recognize I am not reflecting the image of Christ as I should. My old self is not dying easily so I am starving it slowly, by applying the Word of God to my life and letting it cleanse me, while I remain connected to the Vine, who is Jesus, so that I will bear much fruit because apart from Him, I can do nothing. (See John 15:1-5).