This admittedly covers some of the same ground as my June 15th post, but it's an important topic that can be approached from many different angles.
Bumper-sticker Christians are everywhere: "...those displaying a form of godliness, but denying it's power." This is 2 Tim. 3:5, one of my memory verses. So many like to make a "Christian fashion statement" in the form of stickers, plaques, t's, music/movies, and yes, even tattoos. However, these examples are just as superficial as popular brand-name logos (Aeropostale, Polo, UnderArmour). These outward signs are more form than substance, just as a "sophisticated" label on clothes doesn't necessarily indicate a sophisticated person; shiny fish plaques on a vehicle don't always indicate an authentic Christian behind the wheel. And these are just everyday shlubs; forget about all the high profile politicians, celebrities, and athletes making public professions and then committing all forms of sin. I'm not talking about the sin all truly saved people will still commit due to our fallen nature. This is mostly unintentional and emotional such as wanting to smash your computer with a cinder block because every time you turn around it's infected with a new virus. Clearly, getting angry (dare I say hating!), an inanimate object is not the standard for a follower of Jesus, but it's quite different than willfully pursuing a sinful lifestyle. Paraphrasing A. W. Tozer: we should not expect perfection, but perfect intention from a believer. The standard is perfection that you know is unattainable, but as a believer you're still disappointed when you fall short. You want Jesus to be Lord of your life - not just Lord of your salvation (as the pretenders do). These "professors" deny the power of the gospel by living reprobate lives.
These reasons aforementioned are why I don't even like to refer to myself as a Christian. These days, it conjures up all manner of images; from stupid, timid sheep; to dogmatic, bombastic hypocrites; none very complimentary. Not that I'm out for the world's approval, but I want to be persecuted for the right reasons: that I am an unapologetic follower of Jesus, who is not afraid to identify and avoid sin, and those who wallow in it. And make no mistake: if you claim to be a Christian, but live like the unsaved; you don't understand salvation (specifically, you don't understand the role of repentance in salvation). By the time I explain to others that I'm a Christian, but not that kind of a Christian, their eyes are rolling back into their head. Not only has Christian lost it's meaning; it's lost it's edge. It doesn't reflect the guts needed to walk the narrow path. So, when the subject comes up, or people ask if I'm religious (yikes!), I like to say I'm a Jesus-follower. This is much less nebulous than Christian - heck, it rules out a large percentage of "Christians". I want to be that "weirdo" that doesn't drink alcohol, tell (or laugh), at dirty jokes, use profanity, leer at women, watch inappropriate "entertainment", listen to the wrong music, gossip, etc., but not in the sense of being a prude or stick-in-the-mud. I want to be recognized as a fun and pleasant guy who enjoys a good time. Not looking to be the "life of the party", but to communicate that there is joy in Christ. I'd like others to know you can have a good time - devoid of sinful behavior.
In a weird irony, claiming to be a Christian can put one in good stead with the world. That is if your "Christianity" is Osteen/Oprah-esque: non-confrontational, affirming, trendy, smart and avoids all the unpleasantness of sin, hell, repentance - you know! In other words, it's not authentic, biblical Christianity; it's pseudo-religious, feel-good, I'm OK - you're OK baloney.
As history runs out on this little planet God made for us, I don't anyone confused as to where I stand when it comes to Christ. There is no grey area in this regard. If you are not wholly for Christ; you are wholly for Satan. Stating that I am a Jesus-follower should be a good clue.
It's been said, "...what's in a name?" Sometimes, a lot!
