“I’m sick of it… just… sick.”
My roommate and I had this conversation on more than one
occasion. As we both sprawled out in our
living room, we vocalized our frustration with CINO’s.
Christians in name only are NOT Christians, contrary to
popular belief. If your walk doesn’t
reflect your talk then shut your mouth and change your name.
Think of it in this way.
Imagine a woman. Not just any
woman, a woman with an identity. She
knows who she is and who she belongs to.
Likewise, those who know her know who she is and who she belongs
to. It’s quite simple, really. Why?
Because she bears her father’s name.
Because of this, it is her job to represent her father’s name with
accuracy and with honor whenever she is out and about or just sitting at
home. Once she gets married, she bears
her husband’s name and is entrusted with accurate and honorable representation
in this case as well.
Identity.
A sense of belonging where you know without a doubt whose
you are and therefore what you are supposed to do.
How does this reflect Christianity?
Let’s take a look at Exodus.
Exodus is the book in the Bible that for the first time introduces the
law to God’s covenant people.
Specifically, the law shows how God’s people are supposed to act both
towards God Himself as well as their neighbor.
There’s one major law, however, that has launched my mind into
orbit as it has pondered the details of a purposeful life, and therefore living
a life of excellence.
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." Exodus 20:7
What does that even mean?
I truly believe this to go deeper than just saying things like, “Oh my
God.” I think that this law represents a
whole lifestyle!
Remember the woman and her identity? The same applies here to God’s people. If one truly associates himself with God, he
typically calls himself a Christian.
Christian. Christian. Follower of
Christ. That person has taken the name
of his God upon himself, making a statement to the world that he no longer
assumes the identity of the world, but the identity of Someone so much
bigger! What a great identity!
But what happens when a person who calls himself a Christian
simply doesn’t represent Christ accurately to the world? Not only has he lied about his identity, but
he has misrepresented God’s very character.
"Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2
My mind reels with the implications of what said imitation looks like.
