Why am I Christian?

This past week was interesting for me, and I have felt a bit under fire.  I don’t necessarily have anyone say anything to me about my beliefs.  I have never had anyone question why I am a Christian to my face, but I see a lot on social media.  I have some friends on Facebook post that they are done or want to be done with Christians or evangelical Christians, or that they don’t believe they should share their ideas and thoughts.  I know it is a lot easier for people to put ideas and thoughts out there on social media rather than say it to someone’s face, but I know it is only a matter of time before I start to receive questions about the beliefs that I have and why I have them.  

I need to be able to answer the question, why am I a Christian.  This should not be that I was brought up in the church, so I stayed.  Yes, my mom and grandma brought me to church every week, but I don’t think that can constitute why I am a Christian currently.  In the last few years, I have made going to church, being a part of Bible Studies, and spending time with the Lord a regular part of my life because it is something that I want in my life.  However, if someone asked me today randomly on the street as per why I am a Christian, would I have an answer for them?  Would I be able to represent the reason well?  Would I be able to plant a seed by my answers into the hearts of those who are listening to my response? I want to be ready, so I am taking the time to write down my responses here. 

I am a Christian because I believe in the morality of Christian living.  It can be hard.  I don’t always like being the friend in my friend group who doesn’t get drunk or who doesn’t party it up completely, but I also know that it is enjoyable to be the in the right state of mind without any other influences.  It is hard to have that self-control, but I also am happy that I am in control of my body and mind as often as I am able.  I also love the message of being a loving, kind soul.  The thought of being filled with grace, mercy, patience, peacefulness, and love is a wonderful goal that I can strive for with the help of the Holy Spirit through Christ.  It is wonderful to be paired with these words.  It is wonderful to help those who are in need.  I know it makes others feel good when I help or care about them, but it really does make me feel better as well.  

I am a Christian because I know that God loves us so much that he became our Savior when we can’t save ourselves.  I was at church this last week when my Pastor Eric was commenting about a shirt he saw at a recent festival.  This shirt said in part, “working hard to make it to heaven.”  My pastor commented on just how much that doesn’t work.  He said we don’t get to take any of the credit for our own salvation.  We are given our own salvation through God himself, and this belongs to himself completely and his glory.  He is the one who is freely giving us happiness in heaven for the rest of our existence, even when we don’t deserve it.  If I were not a Christian, I would be working hard with the belief that this would get me to heaven, when it is not even close to the truth.  

I am a Christian because I believe there is more to this world than the one that we are currently living in.  I know that God has planned a place for all of us believers to be with him for eternity in heaven.  This is even said in John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?”  The Lord loves us enough that he WANTS us to be with him for the rest of eternity.  While the world and the days may seem long, they will not even compare to how long eternity will be. 

My challenge for you this following week is to think about the reasons that you are a Christian.  What is it about being a Christian that has brought you to the place that you are?  Are you able to easily answer why you are a Christian if someone asks?  It can be hard and take a lot of courage to respond to the question of why we are a Christian in a world or society where Christians are not appreciated, but having these thoughts ready can help us amidst the scary moment.  

It is also incredibly important to be able to voice these thoughts and our convictions with harmony and with grace.  We do not want to yell or swear at the ones who have asked us why we are a Christian.  It is highly important that we represent the Lord well.  If someone does not agree, do not allow them to disagree with how you delivered the message.  Maybe in the moment, this will be incredibly hard, but you may have just opened their minds to new perspectives that may eventually make them become Christians as well.