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I explained in a previous article that the word ‘Christian comes from a Greek word, “christianos.”
It is a combination of two words namely, “Christ” and “ianos.” “Christos” in Greek means “Christ” in English while “ianos” in Greek is claimed to mean “little” in English.
This is why a Christian is arguably referred to as “a little christ.” But all true born again Christians in the world must regard themselves as followers or disciples of Christ Jesus.
Christians, therefore, are people who follow Christ, the Lord. To follow Christ is to learn to say what Christ said and do what He did. It is to learn to love what the Lord loved and obey what He obeyed.
A true follower of Christ or Christian will be careful not to sleep at a place where Jesus will not sleep; he will not watch what our Saviour will not watch.
In other words, genuine Christians learn to speak what Christ spoke, sit where Christ sat, discuss what Christ discussed and teach what Jesus taught.
Now, no one can just get up and begin to do these things without first learning to deny himself. To deny yourself is to disown yourself or exchange your will for the will of God before you take up your cross.
To take up your cross to follow Jesus Christ is to be willing to suffer rejection, persecution, hunger or even death for the sake of Christ. You must also let the mind (attitude) which was in Christ Jesus be in you (Philippians 2:5).
Above all, there is one unique thing that proves that someone truly follows Christ Jesus in the world. This thing essentially is love for Christ Jesus.
A person who is indwelled by the Spirit of Christ Jesus will love Christ naturally far above himself, his family, work, money and everything else.
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of money, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).
Peter passed this love test when he told Christ Jesus face-to-face that he loved Him more than food and everything else.
Thus, Christ Jesus said to Peter, “feed my lambs” “tend my sheep” and “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).
This means the greatest qualification to genuinely participate in the fivefold ministry is proven love for Christ Jesus. Love is the greatest thing people must demonstrate to prove that they are truly Christians.
A genuine Christian, therefore, is compelled by love to testify about Christ Jesus without being ashamed or fearful because love casts out fear. This is seen in the lives of the early apostles.
Paul said, “For the love of Christ controls us…” to preach the message about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
I pray that you will be inspired to deepen your relationship with the Lord Jesus and become one Spirit with Him permanently!
May the totality of your being be influenced by His majestic presence now and forever more! Amen!
By James Quansah
