Questions For Christians

It took a while after Christ’s resurrection before His followers were given His name:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26 KJV)

His followers had been busy. They met often, and taught much. Is that why you are called a Christian?  Who does that calling?

I started thinking about that during Sunday night services.  Our Youth Pastor gave the message to the congregation, but it was dedicated to and pointed first toward our graduates.  He spoke from 2nd Timothy – and there are some very, very good verses to help all of us determine paths we will be following. He spoke of memories he held for each of our five graduates.

He reminded me of a memory he gave us, several years ago.  When he was a senior in high school, a classmate walked up to him and asked why he always stared at his meal before eating it.

That classmate did not recognize a person saying grace – giving thanks to God for daily bread.  How can someone call you a Christian when they do not know giving thanks for daily bread is an ordinary Christian action?  I know one lady (member of a Christian church) who was surprised when her new step-daughter’s family prayed before every meal. She could tell they were living their faith.

When another goes out to eat, she leaves a church tract along with her tip. Both have a message for the wait staff, one much more lasting than the other.

With another new Christian, co-workers understood quickly their former language was not acceptable within their hearing.  It was done gently, without rancor nor self-righteousness, firmly impressing a changed life.

Christians do meet often.  At our church, there are three services on Sunday. This week there are activities open to all on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings – all different, some requiring a drive to another city.  Each will provide a Bible lesson, fellowship and sharing. Goes back to the verse above, assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.

Our graduates are headed off to secular colleges.  They will interact with people who do not know about grace with meals.  They will hear words not meant for use in polite company. As adults, it is their choice whether their Christianity is evident to others.  Without family and childhood friends nearby, the decision is theirs alone.

Will everyone see in them what Paul asked Timothy to do?

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

The personal questions to Christians (of any age!) stands – who knows we are Christians? How do they know it? Does that knowledge glorify God?