Decades have passed since I was in college, but I still remember an English professor from my creative writing class. We were given many writing assignments in that class, and I often wrote mine from a Christian perspective. She liked my writing; she did not like my Christianity. I got “A’s” but often delivered with a frown.

One day I was the last to leave the class and she invited me to spend a few minutes with her. She openly acknowledged she did not respond well to Christians. When I asked her why, she gave me the “lumped together” reason. I am sure you have also heard similar reasoning—those misguided souls who will get in your face and “remind” you that the KKK were Christians, Hitler was a Christian, etc.

I told her that it is not what I “claim to be” that matters, I can claim to be Chinese, but I am not by birth, ethnicity, or citizenship. That reasoning holds truth for Christianity. It is not what we “claim,” it is who “claims” us. “So the one who boasts must boast in the Lord. For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.”  [2 Corinthians 10:17-18 HCSB]

My Christianity is true only and if the LORD, who alone can read hearts, says it is true. I can apply the title, but if I do not walk as worthy of Christ Jesus my LORD, then I will not be approved, nor commended by Him. In fact, I will be judged by Him!

My life, in action as well as words must reflect the life of my Savior. Will I fail at that sometimes? Of course. But then my life must reflect godly sorrow and repentance and the obtaining of His forgiveness.

No one likes to be lumped together with those who falsely claim to be what they are not. We must remember always that it is not those who call themselves Christian–yet act like anything but–who truly are Christian. Christians are those who hav surrendered their lives and seek to speak, act, honor and reflect the attitudes and actions of Christ Jesus, their Savior and LORD. Amen&Amen