Wearing The Name!

One of the things that strikes me again and again in this world is how what appears to be new is nothing new at all. Much of what we see and experience in this world has been a part of life throughout the ages. Perhaps that brings to mind the statement of Solomon regarding life in general when he noted…

“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN.” ( Ecclesiastes 1:9 ESV)

Do we sometimes wonder why others have difficulty seeing the good in living the CHRISTIAN life? As in ages past there are still those who with pointing finger would cry, “Those Christians!” as if CHRISTIANS were amongst the most despicable beings on earth. But where did this name CHRISTIAN arise and what does it mean?

In Acts we read…
“(25) So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, (26) and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. AND IN ANTIOCH THE DISCIPLES WERE FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS.” ( Acts 11:25-26 ESV)

The text does not say these disciples called themselves Christians, but that that was what they became labeled. Perhaps some of the pagan citizens there in Antioch used this expression in a mocking manner as they pointed an accusing finger toward those who were believers in Christ. That “sect” to which Paul and other CHRISTIANS belonged was described as being spoken against everywhere. ( Acts 28:22) Should it surprise us (note 1 Peter 4:12) when the same occurs today to one degree or another in various parts of the world?

Note two other places we find the expression “CHRISTIAN” used in the Scriptures.

King Agrippa used it as Paul made his defense before him.
“And Agrippa said to Paul, ‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a CHRISTIAN?’” ( Acts 26:28 ESV)

And Peter used it when he wrote…
“Yet if anyone suffers as a CHRISTIAN, let him not be ashamed, but let him GLORIFY GOD IN THAT NAME.” ( 1 Peter 4:16 ESV)

Those called CHRISTIANS were noted as being followers of Christ. It is a term which identifies one with Him. Though it perhaps began as a derogatory label, to those striving to live for Christ and like Christ, it became a badge of honor that inspired remarkable courage. That is the result of being genuinely identified with Christ.

Some wear the name CHRISTIAN today who have not been born again ( John 3:3 & 5); who have not put on Christ. ( Galatians 3:27) Some of these individuals may reveal no sign of surrender to the Will of Christ (or demonstration of His likeness) and may have no regular connection with His Body (the church) at all! For some the term “Christian” has become a reference to simply being good. However, the very expression “CHRISTIAN” contains “CHRIST” and even when first used identified those so called as being devoted followers of Him.

Living as genuine CHRISTIANS wholly identified with Christ, we may still be ill spoken of by those who reject the values and Will of Christ. It was those Peter urged to “GLORIFY GOD IN THAT NAME.” Regardless of how the world may view us, our Lord knows the genuineness of our CHRISTIAN walk.

Peter exhorted the CHRISTIANS to whom he wrote…
“For this is the will of God, that BY DOING GOOD YOU SHOULD PUT TO SILENCE THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH PEOPLE.” ( 1 Peter 2:15 ESV)

Fingers may point and wag our direction as we strive to live for Christ. The label “CHRISTIAN” may be hurled at us as if it were a profane name. However, to live in a Christ-like manner can work to silence the ignorance of foolish people by giving them no valid cause for accusation. Let us keep doing what is good and right in the eyes of God. Our life may change the opinion of others regarding what being a true CHRISTIAN is all about, even persuading them to become one. May we truly feel a sense of honor in being identified with Christ as we strive to follow in His steps and Will!

Have a great day BEING FIRST, A CHRISTIAN!
Carl

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