16/06/2025
MONDAY REFLECTION
Are You a Christian?
Followers of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch—not because they claimed the name, but because their lives reflected Jesus.
Their actions, speech, and love made it clear: these people had been with Christ.
Today, we’re quick to call people Christians, regardless of their lifestyle. Then we become disappointed when they act contrary to what they profess. Why? Because we’ve attached Christianity to appearances—how people dress, talk, or act culturally—and not to a life transformed by Christ.
You may meet someone who shows no evidence of Christ's character, yet they are still labeled "Christian." But a true Christian isn't just someone who goes to church, believes in God, or ticks a religious box. Christianity is not a name we inherit or a group we join—it is a life surrendered to Jesus.
> “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21
We say we are Christians, but do we fear God? Some defraud others and mislead people while claiming to be children of God—dragging the name of Jesus through the mud. We must remember: to bear the name of Christ is a sacred calling.
> “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” — Romans 2:24
This is a reminder to all who identify as Christians:
✅ Stand for the truth.
> “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
✅ Live with integrity.
> “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” — Proverbs 11:3
✅ Don’t be the reason someone turns away from Christ.
> “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble!” — Matthew 18:7
✅ Let people see Jesus in you.
> “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Don’t trivialize the sacrifice of Jesus by choosing your own way over His.
You are a Christian if you have given your life to Christ, if you follow His teachings, and if your life bears the fruit of love, humility, truth, and obedience.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” — John 14:15
So I ask again:
Are you a Christian?
—By birth?
—By name?
—Or by being born again?
> “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” — John 3:3
As we begin a new week, reflect deeply on these words.
Yours in Christ,
Omolara Babarinde