If you’ve been consistent in reading the Bible and being in church, I suppose you’ve heard the word “Christian” many times. I’m not referring to “Christian” as a name of a person but as a label used on believers and followers of Jesus Christ, which I’m proud to be one. But according to Acts 11:26, this label wasn’t given by Jesus. Instead, it was given by unbelievers in the people of Antioch to the believers in Christ. And since then, a controversy has arisen inside the body of Christ on whether we should keep using that label. Today, I’m happy to address this question in this article. Is calling a believer in Christ a Christian right or wrong?
The meaning of the word ‘Christians’
As said earlier, the word ‘Christians’ was first used by the people of Antioch in Acts 11:26. And its root word is Χριστιανός, which means followers of Christ. So, the unbelievers in Antioch didn’t wrongly name the believers. Actually, they saw them (the believers) live like Jesus because they were constantly receiving ministry from Paul and Barnabas.
The reason why so many people brand Christians wrongly these days is because every believer in Christ may refer to himself as a Christian. But actually, living like one is about exemplifying the ways of Jesus in one’s individual life. I believe it takes salvation to become a believer or a child of God, but it takes maturity to live as a Christian.
I believe it takes salvation to become a believer or a child of God, but it takes maturity to live as a Christian.
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Unbelievers must know Jesus by how you live
Jesus said something in John 13:35. It reads,
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 (NKJV)
That means Jesus wants all people to know we are His disciples. And the way He wants this to be achieved is through love. If unbelievers will call you a Christian, then walking in love must be your priority. However, walking in love isn’t mainly for people to recognise Christ in you but for you to please God, which will, in turn, fascinate them (the unbelievers).
The people of Antioch called the believers Christians because, beyond them receiving ministry, they lived like Jesus. That further means that a person’s life is heavily influenced by what they see and hear (as a teaching or doctrine). That is why, as a Christian, you must check your life and the kind of friends around you. You may not be able to control all the people who come into your life, but you have the power to decide who becomes your close friend. Please check that.
Who God says you are matters more than what people say you are.
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Don’t let the world give you a wrong name
I am thankful unto God that the Antiochenes called the believers by the right name based on how they saw them live. But we live in an evil age where the god of this world – the devil, has blinded people’s hearts and minds about Jesus (see Galatians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 4:4). So, many people don’t call Christians by the right name. That is why persecution is going on. People don’t value Jesus, so when they see someone live according to His ways, that person looks too odd for him.
Can I tell you something, dear reader? Don’t let the world give you a wrong name. They can call you all sorts of names for which you’re not. But never allow them to settle in your mind that that is who you are. No! Who God says you are matters more than what people say you are. Be secure in your God-given identity as His child. And don’t be carried away by what people call you.
In conclusion, calling a believer a Christian isn’t wrong. However, the Antiochenes, who called believers this name, saw them live in the ways of God. It takes salvation to become a believer, but maturity to live like Jesus. Pursue a deeper intimacy with God, walk in love and never allow what people call you to override who God says you are in your mind.
You’re a blessing.
