Who Do People Say That I Am? Christian Thoughts

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.

John 13:13-16 (NKJV)

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15 (NKJV)

Although the percentage steadily shrinks, most Americans call themselves Christians– compared to 31% worldwide. At the same time, the percentage of “Nones” (as in no affiliation or faith) steadily grows in all Western nations.*

But (mostly) for now, it's still a business and social advantage to be Christian, except in media, but that’s changing!** 

In some countries, being called a Christian is a DANGEROUS or DEADLY label.

Originally, the label, 'Christian', was created by angry outsiders as an INSULT to our King’s growing church.***

First members called themselves and each other… brethren, servants, believers, followers, and apostles (meaning ‘one who is sent off’).****

But they didn’t label themselves CHRISTIANS.

By God's Word, we are:

  • 'Ambassadors for Christ' (2 Corinthians 5:20), 'For our citizenship is in Heaven' (Philippians 3:20).

  • 'Fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God' (Ephesians 2:19).

  • 'Children of God' (1 John 3:1) 'That we might become the righteousness of God in Him' (2 Corinthians 5:21),

  • God's 'Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works' (Ephesians 2:10),

Therefore, we must reconsider our roles:

  • Should we settle for an insulting name?

  • A name we can’t live up to in this world?

  • A name outsiders doubt, or even hate?

  • Have hateful ‘Christians’ sunk down to match it?

I believe we shouldn’t settle at all, but RISE and SHINE as followers of Christ.

Who Do People Say That I Am? Christian Thoughts (Part 2)

* Short article: Who are the religious nones?: 'https://www.gotquestions.org/religious-nones.html

** Note from Carey: We have entered a moment in time where it's actually cool and bookable to be a Christian in entertainment--not everywhere, but more than anytime ever before. More on this life-changing opportunity later.

*** 'Calling Ourselves Christians': http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/christian.html

**** Also “saints.” Saint is derived from the Latin word, sanctus, meaning "holy" or "consecrated." Consecrated means “set aside” or “dedicated.”

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban