-ian: a suffix (forming adjectives or nouns) meaning belonging
to; relating to; typical of; resembling; adhering to; share similar qualities with;
having the same beliefs as; following.
A librarian belongs to a library.
An historian relates to history.
Asian cuisine typifies the flavors of Asia.
Reptilian creatures resemble reptiles.
A politician adheres to politics.
A guardian shares qualities with a guard.
A Wesleyan has the same beliefs as John Wesley.
A Freudian follows the methods of Freud.
As Christians we should fit each one of those descriptions!
A Christian belongs to Christ. (John 1:12-13)
A Christian is related to Christ. (Romans 8:29)
A Christian typifies Christ. (Philippians 2:5)
A Christian resembles Christ. (1 John 2:6)
A Christian adheres to Christ. (John 14:1)
A Christian shares qualities with Christ. (Galatians
5:22-23)
A Christian believes as Christ believes. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
A Christian follows Christ and His example. (1 Peter 2:21)
Saying, “I am a Christian,” tells others more than just the fact that we are not a member of any of the other religions present in the world today. When we tell someone, “I am a Christian,” we are announcing that we believe in Jesus Christ, we are claiming allegiance to Him, and we are implying that we are trying to live our lives in obedience to Him. It isn’t a statement to make lightly.
Next time someone asks us about our religious beliefs, let’s think about what we are really proclaiming when we say, “I am a Christian.” Do we belong to Him? Do we act like we are related to Jesus? Do we typify Christ? Can they see the resemblance, the similar qualities? Do we believe what He said and are we adhering to His Word? Are we following His example?
Galatians 2:20 says, “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.” May that be true for each of us as we become the hands, the feet, the face, the voice of Jesus for this broken world.
Be encouraged!
©2023 Pamela D. Williams.
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