Christians

"The disciples were first called Christians as Antioch." Acts 11:26 NIV

The name Christian was first spoken as a term of ridicule by unbelievers toward the disciples of Jesus. Christian simply means one who follows Christ. Though it was once spoken in ridicule it is a title that defines our life and one we greatly cherish. What an honor to be identified with Christ!

However, it seems the name Christian is tossed around lightly today. We call anyone who professes any kind of belief in Christ a Christian even if there is no evidence in their life. When the unbelievers called the disciples at Antioch Christians it was because they saw something distinctive in their life. It was obvious that they not only believed but were committed to following Jesus. We would do well to remember the honor and responsibility of bearing so great a name and to pray it would be evident in our lives that we follow Jesus Christ.

Father, I thank you for the name Christian. I am proud to be a follower of Your Son. May my commitment to Him be obvious to a watching world and may they be drawn to Him through my life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark