When Jesus Christ told us what the world would know us by, He did not mention fish on the car, cross necklaces, WWJD bracelets, or conservative (or liberal!) politicking. Sadly, characterizations and generalizations are often made which identify Christians by these and other equally cliché things. We read phrases on shirts, bumperstickers, and windshields and conclude that the person must be a Christian.
He didn’t say we’d be known by an affinity for C.S. Lewis, Left Behind, or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
But when you, and especially unbelievers, think of Christians, what things usually come to mind? Does the love of the brethren–which Jesus did talk about–come to the forefront of thought, or do stained-glass windows, televangelists seated in golden throwns, and so on?
I’m curious what you think of, whether believer or unbeliever, so please leave a comment.
The first thing that comes to mind for me is a person who is actively living out the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but not because they have to for other people, but as a very natural outpouring of their relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is more to it than that, I think in pictures, and it would take a good many words to sum up the picture that first comes to mind when I think of a Christian. Anyhow, I am a Christian myself, so I can’t tell you what an unbeliever first thinks of. :-)
God bless!
Meg
Meg, I didn’t know you read my blog… :) Nor did I know that you have one. lol.
Glad to hear that “Christians” conjurs up biblical thoughts and connections for you!
Anyone else think of anything?