"I'll Pray for You"

What exactly is a Christian? I have been asking myself this question over the last several weeks. My intent is not to open a can of worms here simply because this topic could go on forever. But I will simply define it as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary:

A Christian is:

A: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

B: (1) disciple (2) a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906 (3) a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961

I can’t help but think that if you truly believe something your actions are going to show this. After all, why would you do something that you do not believe in and why would you believe in something if you do not show it? It has been discouraging to me that I have come across several “Christians” that have claimed to be believers, but were not ‘practicing’ or did not want to live their life according to some ‘words on paper’ (this would be referring to the Bible). I guess I get so worked up about this because I’m going on a full year of my crazy journey with God and I just don’t want others to miss out on what I did. Although I had been a Christian and professed my belief nearly 23 years ago, it was not until recently that I actually believed what I believed and acted on it. Did you get that? I believe what I say I believe in. My fear is this: “Christians” are going to continue to settle for less than what we deserve and we will not experience the power of His Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Yes, I said daily lives. For many years, I did not realize that He could work out the smallest of details every single day in my life if I would just let Him and expect Him to do it. Wait. I digress. I’m going in the direction of getting on a soap box, so let me step down and get back on track.

So if being a Christian is defined as the belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ, my question is this: What do you do with that belief? It is my personal experience that you take action in what you believe. Look at all of the other religions that are out there. You have people that are so devoted to their beliefs that they would die for what they believe in. Yes, we do have Christians that are in lands being persecuted and in harm’s way and even make the ultimate sacrifice of death. But think about it. Would you take that step of faith and profess your belief if you knew that you were for sure going to die? My point is proven. So here’s what I propose we do to fix it. Those that claim to be Christians need to step up to the plate and start showing they believe what they claim they believe. I’m so passionate about this subject right now I feel myself making my way to that soap box again so I’m going to conclude my thoughts now.

What are we (Christians) doing to show others that we have a passion so deep for what we believe we cannot even begin to explain it? I’m not preaching to the choir here. I’m speaking to myself. I have this deep, deep longing and desire to start taking action. I have been able to enjoy and experience His many blessings the last 11 months that I have decided it is time for me to start taking action in what I believe and have experienced. I’m not saying I know what that action is yet, but I know it is going to be more than the expected Christian response of “I’ll pray for you.” I want to take the prayer farther and take it into action so I’ll let ya know what happens.

Finally, I’ll leave you with this: “Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet”