I read a story from the life of Alexander the Great, whom many believe was one of the greatest generals who ever lived, conquering almost the entire known world with his vast army. One night during a campaign, Alexander couldn’t sleep and left his tent to walk around the camp. He came across a soldier asleep on guard duty-a very serious offense. In fact, the penalty for falling asleep on guard duty was, in some cases, instant death; the commanding officer sometimes poured kerosene on the sleeping soldier and lit it. Well, this particular soldier began to wake up as Alexander the Great approached him. Recognizing who was standing in front of him, the young man feared for his life. Do you know what the penalty is for falling asleep on guard duty? Alexander asked. Yes sir, the soldier responded in a quivering voice. Soldier, what is your name? demanded Alexander. It’s Alexander, sir. Alexander the Great repeated his question, What did you say was your name? My name is Alexander sir, the soldier repeated. A third time and more loudly, Alexander the Great asked, WHAT is your name?! And a third time the soldier meekly said, My name is Alexander sir. Alexander the Great then looked the young solider straight in the eye and said, Soldier, either change your name or change your conduct.I think you would agree that when it comes to calling ourselves Christians, or Christ-followers, our lives should reflect Christ. When others see us, they should see Jesus.I once heard a pastor ask the question: If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?The Bible says in Acts 11:26 - “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Paul’s first ministry assignment was in the city of Antioch. He spent a year here teaching believers. It was here that Christ followers were first called Christians because their behavior, activity, and speech was like Christ. The word “Christian” literally means, “belonging to the party of Christ” or a “follower of Christ.”Sadly, today in our culture, the word “Christian” has become diluted. Often people call themselves Christian because they were raised in church or because their family has always attended church, but their is no personal faith in Christ. It’s also troubling that the behavior of Christians doesn’t always reflect their savior.I believe a worthy question would be: Is there anything about our lives that would make people think that we are Christians? That we are like Christ? Is our conduct like Christ? Is our speech like Christ? Are our morals and values the ones that Christ held?I know these are challenging questions.I've been thinking about this question all week… "What does a "real" Christian look like?" Would you recognize one if you saw one?  How do you identify a Christian?Do you carry a membership card in your wallet?Is it church attendance?Is it by political affiliation?Is it based on your views of hot button issues?Do you have a fish decal on the back of your car?A cross around your neck?We must recognize that going to church, serving the poor, and being a good person doesn’t make us a Christian. The Bible teaches that the good works we do cannot make us acceptable to God. Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.A true Christian is a person who has put faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, including His death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection on the third day. John 1:12 tells us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Today’s Challenge: Let your prayer today be: Jesus, let my life reflect you to others around me. When others see my life, may they see the character of Christ and be drawn to you.

Ver todos los episodios