One of the most common problems with the church today is the bad habit of the church in NOT using biblical terms to describe itself. I want to give you five descriptive terms of the Christ-follower according to the Bible. Let’s get into it.
1) Peaceful. One term that the Christ-follower should find themselves described as is peaceful. This doesn’t mean that they are accommodating of sinful lifestyles that oppose biblical values, but they DO make an effort to avoid unnecessary conflict with others.
Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)
“[14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”
2) Forgiving. This is another term that, too often, cannot be used to describe the Christ-follower. But considering all that they have been forgiven for (regardless of who it is that we’re talking about), they need to remember this fact and forgive others quickly.
Mark 11:25 (KJV)
“[25] And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
3) Humble. This one is one that is usually seriously lacking when it comes to the Christ-follower. But, I believe that the reason why this is true is because of the fact that pride (pride being the opposite of humility) is one of the most powerful and effective weapons that the devil has that he uses against us. Being overly proud of himself led to his expulsion from the heavens, and that, coupled with the fact that mankind is prone to being overly prideful, makes this a very effective weapon indeed.
Proverbs 11:2 (KJV)
“[2] When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom.”
4) Holy. This is a particularly important description that every Christ-follower needs to be able to say applies to them, because when this one applies to your life, every other one comes naturally and flows freely from them.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)
“[15] but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
[16] because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
5) Triumphant. This description comes from the place of victory, and, although the Christ-follower will not always be victorious, this will be a regular occurrence in the life of every Christ-follower who is consecrated and holy before God.
Romans 8:37 (KJV)
“[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”
There is the list of five descriptions that every Christ-follower needs to be able to say applies to them. These five things obviously do not make up the entire list of possible descriptions that should fit the Christ-follower, but it’s a good start. Now, if you have only been following the Lord Jesus for a relatively short time (less than a couple of years), you are probably still a work in progress when it comes to these things (we’re ALL a work in progress to a greater or lesser degree), but if you have been following Jesus for years and you STILL don’t exhibit, at least, MOST of these things, shame on you. Seriously, you should be ashamed of yourself, and you need to reevaluate your life to try to determine what the problem is, because there is definitely a problem.
It’s my sincere prayer that this article has encouraged, and, where necessary, challenged you. Remember that I love you guys and I’m praying for you.