Christian

Do you understand what you are saying when you say you are a Christian?! You have just aligned yourself with Jesus and who He says He is. You are also His representative. Does what you say or do (or don’t do) reflect Him and His who/what/how? Or, is your representing only what you deem important? Is ‘can’t’ a quick response from you?

Being a Christian isn't for cowards. Being a Christian does mean that you live in a kind of a fishbowl in that with your proclamation you now are visible and your words and actions take on a heightened meaning. You can't be OF the world and still be a Christian.

   "If the world hates you [and it does], know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love [you as] its own and would treat you with affection. But you are not of the world [you no longer belong to it], but I have chosen you out of the world. And because of this the world hates you. Remember [and continue to remember] that I told you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these [hurtful] things to you for My name’s sake [because you bear My name and are identified with Me], for they do not know the One who sent Me."  [John 15:18-21]

Though there are other scriptures that talk about the Christian being IN the world but not OF it. But these verses in John paint a more complete picture. Our allegiance, identification with Jesus marks us out. And yes, it isn't always easy but look at what you receive with your identification!

In 1 Peter, he is telling the reader:

   "Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. You [believers], like living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.  [1 Peter 2: 4-5]      ...

Why?

   "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."   [1 Peter 2:9-10]

Do you that you are being built up? Are you grasping the opportunity and growing to offer spiritual sacrifices? Have you accepted the identity offered? Do you feel you are chosen? Chosen to be a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a special people to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into light? This is how Peter describes Christian. What are you doing to embody this identity?

What you need to realize is the potentiality that is offered you. Then again... I have difficulty imagining a small c -Christian. Do they really exist? Or have they simply not stepped up and said - 'Here am I... with my mouth I confess and with my heart I believe.'