It seems as though many people are beginning to call themselves Christ followers instead of Christians. As for me, I will proudly wear the name Christian until I die. But why this name switch? What difference does it make if we call ourselves Christ followers or Christians? Here are my thoughts:
Many people realize that the word "Christian" carries along with it some very negative thoughts in the minds of unbelievers. I will admit this is completely true. Christians often do some very un-Christ-like things. In the minds of some, by distancing themselves from the word Christian, they're doing something to eliminate the negative stereotypes. Does this really accomplish what we think it does? I don't think so. Whether we call ourselves Christians or Christ followers, the world will still view us as Christian. I don't think they will credit us, saying "Oh well so and so is a Christ follower, not a Christian; they must be different." Whether we like it or not, all who follow Jesus as their Savior are all lumped together in one group.
If it makes no difference to people outside the Christian circle, then the distinction is made for people who either call themselves a Christ follower or a Christian, whether it is done consciously or not. It almost becomes a "Holier than Thou" title. There are many godly, godly people who call themselves Christians. Whatever we call ourselves, we are the bride of Christ. We are one. As Christians, we stumble and fall often because we are still human.Instead of distancing ourselves from the problem. let's help our brothers and sisters live by the Spirit.
Another thought: some don't like to use the word Christian because it has bad connotations and it doesn't mean what it once did. The same can be said of love. That word has been used and abused. The word itself has some bad connotations, but does that mean we should never say the word "love" and instead replace it with another? I don't think so. As much as it has been misused, it still has meaning.
I think this is the root of the Christian-Christ follower issue: we want to make a distinction between all the perceptions and stereotypes and those who are truly trying to follow Jesus. I don't think this distinction can be made by a mere title change. No, it goes much deeper than that. Each and every one us us, myself included, can start with our own actions. If we don't like what people say about us as Christians, let's change that. Let each of us do our best to represent the God we follow. Second, we should help those who are struggling. Romans 14:1 says "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters." Instead of judging, let us help. (Ironically, judgmental is one of the stereotypes we are trying to get away from.)
Christian, in its very meaning means we should reflect Christ in the way we live. We are Christ's representatives on Earth. Whatever title you choose, I don't think it really matters. However, we cannot choose to dislike Christians. We are called to love EVERYONE; shouldn't we be good at loving our brothers and sisters? Why don't we let our actions determine what outside people think about us instead of our title. Remember in the New Testament, Christians were hated, because they had such a powerful witness for Christ. May it be that way in our country. If we are going to be hated, let it be because we are following Jesus so closely. Jesus himself said "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."
What are your thoughts? I would love to hear your opinions, whether you agree or not. You have my permission to tell me I'm way off base :]
