Being a Christian and Living Like Christ in a Culture Obsessed with Churchianity. Being a Christian is more than church attendance, religious talk, or wearing a cross.
True Christianity is Christ alive in us—seen, felt, and followed.
But in a world drowning in Churchianity, God is calling us back to something deeper:
A life marked by love, power, purity, and holy purpose.
“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
That quote isn’t just a critique.
It’s a confrontation.
A mirror.
A warning.
And also—an invitation.
Let’s not dismiss it. Let’s discern it.
Who, Then, Is a Christian?
A Christian is not simply someone who:
Goes to church
Owns a Bible
Prays over meals
A true Christian is someone who:
Looks like Christ
Lives like Christ
Loves like Christ
The real question isn’t:
“Do you go to church?”
But rather:
“Does Christ walk through you wherever you go?”
What Does the Word “Christian” Really Mean?
Let’s go back to the roots—Acts 11:26:
“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
The Greek word Χριστιανός (Christianos) means “Christ-like ones” or “followers of Christ.”
But here’s the powerful detail:
They didn’t call themselves that—others did.
Why?
Because their lives mirrored Jesus in such undeniable ways that no other term fit.
They:
Lived together
Shared everything
Walked in unity
Loved radically
Spoke truth boldly
Reflected Heaven with quiet humility
They didn’t just preach Christ—they embodied Him.
They didn’t just build churches—they became one.
Ask yourself:
Would anyone identify me as Christlike… even before I say a word?
1. Have We Misrepresented the Master?
Let’s do a holy audit.
The world isn’t necessarily rejecting Jesus—they’re rejecting the version of Him they see in us.
Be honest:
If someone studied how you respond under pressure, would they see Christ—or pride?
If they watched how you treat those who hurt you, would they hear grace—or ego?
Gandhi wasn’t confused about Jesus.
He was confused by Christians who didn’t reflect Him.
That should shake us—but also shape us.
2. The Early Church Wasn’t an Institution—It Was an Incarnation
They didn’t have:
Social media
Logos
Buildings
Celebrity pastors
But they had:
Fire
Unity
Purpose
Presence
“We have this treasure in jars of clay…” — 2 Corinthians 4:7
They were ordinary people carrying an extraordinary God.
Their lives were the sermon.
Ask:
When did we trade the prayer closet for the platform spotlight?
3. Churchianity vs. Christlikeness
Modern Christianity often looks more like a production than a Person.
We’ve built:
Products (books, merch, events)
Platforms (brands, followers, stages)
Personality cults (influencers, fan clubs)
But the Gospel Jesus preached demands:
Surrender over self-promotion
Crosses over comfort
Obedience over optics
“Take up your cross and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23
Ask:
Have I replaced abiding in Christ with just attending church?
4. Six Marks of a True Christian Life
✅ 1. Simplicity Over Success
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” — Matthew 6:19
The early Christians had little… but lacked nothing.
Why? Because Christ was their treasure.
Ask:
What possession is keeping me from my purpose?
✅ 2. Love Without Conditions
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:39
Jesus:
Forgave Judas—even when betrayed
Restored Peter—even after denial
Touched lepers—even when shunned
Ask:
Who do I need to forgive—not because they deserve it, but because Christ forgave me?
✅ 3. Unity Over Denominational Pride
“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism…” — Ephesians 4:4–6
The early Church wasn’t divided by denominations.
They were united by divine DNA.
Ask:
Can I love and serve someone who worships differently—but loves Jesus passionately?
✅ 4. Witness Through Lifestyle
“Let your light shine before others…” — Matthew 5:16
It’s easy to post Scripture.
But does your inbox, your tone, your business ethics say “Jesus lives here”?
Ask:
Would someone want to know Jesus just by observing how I live?
✅ 5. Fruitfulness, Not Fame
“I chose you… that you may bear fruit—fruit that will last.” — John 15:16
Heaven won’t ask:
“How many followers did you have?”
It will ask:
“Who followed Me because of you?”
Ask:
Who is being transformed because of your daily presence?
✅ 6. Service Without Spotlight
“The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve…” — Mark 10:45
Jesus:
Washed feet
Healed in secret
Served the forgotten
Ask:
When was the last time I did something radical for someone who could never repay me?
Who, Then, Is a True Christian?
Not someone who quotes Scripture—but someone who lives it.
Not someone who claims Jesus—but someone who resembles Him.
A real Christian is one in whom Christ is seen, felt, and followed—even in silence.
A Charge to the Body of Christ
This is not the year for:
Bigger stages
Louder events
Newer trends
This is the year to:
Burn with holy love
Serve with no spotlight
Live holy in hidden places
Repent deeply and rise quietly
Because revival won’t come through branding.
It will come through brokenness.
For Reflection
Have I been more “Christian” in word than in deed?
What part of my life needs to look more like Jesus this week?
Who around me needs to encounter Christ through me, not just hear about Him?
Teach This. Share This. Live This.
Let’s make this more than a message.
Let’s make it a movement—back to Christlikeness.
Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Follow Church History Chronicles for more teachings on how to live a Christlike life.
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