What does it really mean to be a Christian? This question is not as straightforward as it may seem. Being a Christian means more than simply identifying with a particular religious belief. It means following in the footsteps of the ultimate example of selflessness, compassion, and love: Jesus Christ.
To be a Christian is to follow in the footsteps of Christ, the Anointed One, as depicted in the scriptures. From his humble beginnings in a stall and laid in a manger (Isaiah 7:14), to being the son of a carpenter (Matthew 13:55), Jesus led a life of simplicity and humility. He had no house of his own (Matthew 8:20), no money on him (Matthew 17:24-27), and never boasted of material possessions. He rode a donkey on his triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:4-5), showing that earthly wealth and status meant nothing in the eyes of God.

In the Bible, we see the life of Jesus portrayed in many different ways. He is the Anointed One, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 24:6. He was born of a virgin, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. He was born in a stall and laid in a manger, as described in Matthew 11:29. He was the son of a carpenter, with no house of his own (Matthew 13:55) and no money to his name (Matthew 8:20).
Despite his teachings of love and compassion, Jesus faced constant opposition and betrayal. False witnesses were brought against him (Matthew 26:59-63), he was brutally beaten and spat upon (John 19:1-25; Matthew 26:67), and ultimately nailed to the cross to suffer and die (Matthew 27:32-56). Even in his darkest hour, Jesus remained faithful to his mission and showed forgiveness to those who persecuted him.

Throughout his life, Jesus faced many hardships. He was falsely accused (Matthew 26:59-63, Mark 14:56), brutally beaten (John 19:1-25), and spat upon (Matthew 26:67). He was even nailed to a cross and left to die (Matthew 27:32-56). Despite all of this, he bore it all with grace and forgiveness, showing us what it truly means to love unconditionally.
It is in these moments of suffering and sacrifice that we see the true essence of what it means to be a Christian. To follow Christ is to endure hardships and challenges with grace and courage, knowing that his example of selflessness and love is the ultimate guide in our own lives. It is not about material wealth or earthly success, but about serving others and spreading the message of God's love to all.


But Jesus was not just a man. He was also God, the creator of all things (Colossians 1:16). This is what sets him apart from any other religious figure in history. He was fully divine and fully human, a concept that is difficult for our finite minds to comprehend.
As Christians, we are called to be humble, compassionate, and forgiving, just as Jesus was. We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 3:5 that our sufficiency comes from God alone, and in 1 Corinthians 2:13 that we have received the Spirit of God to understand the things freely given to us by Him. We are encouraged in Luke 8:21 to hear the word of God and do it, so that we may truly walk in the footsteps of our Savior.


So what does it mean to be called a Christian? It means following in the example of Jesus, who humbled himself and took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). It means realizing that we are not qualified on our own to be called children of God (2 Corinthians 3:5), but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be transformed into new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Being a Christian means living out the teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives. It means loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), forgiving those who have wronged us (Matthew 6:14), and showing compassion to those in need (Matthew 25:35-40). It means walking in humility and seeking to bring glory to God in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Being a Christian is not about having all the answers or being perfect, but about striving to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. It is about being a light in a world filled with darkness, and sharing the love and grace of God with those around us. As we reflect on the life of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us, let us recommit ourselves to following his example and spreading his message of hope and salvation to all.
So I ask you, how qualified are you to be called a Christian? Are you willing to humble yourself, take up your cross, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus (Luke 9:23)? The choice is yours.