What does it mean to be a Christian?

I was asked the other day what is a Christian? I hear various versions of this question all the time. Questions like: “is that Christian?” Usually, this question is behavior related. Or there are expectations of what a Christian should be, do or say. Normally these expectations come from people that consider themselves better than others.

The truth is to be a Christian is to be a follower of Jesus or of the way. That is it. There is no real code of behavior. There is no standard. Well sort of. Each person is at a different place of the journey. Everyone’s walk is different. To me the only standard is the great commandment. To LOVE. Jesus tells us to love the Lord and to love our neighbor. If we do that I think we are making Jesus happy.

Love.

The problems begins when we expect others to change their behavior to meet our standards of what it means to be a Christian. Throughout time these expectations have driven more people from Christ then have ever led people to Christ. I don’t care what the issue is sexuality, drinking, anything.  It does not matter. We do not show people love by excluding them until they meet our expectations.  

Love.

Everyone should be accepted in a church. All people are worthy of love. Noone needs to change to be loved by God.

To me being a Christian means loving others. As they are. Where they are.

God loves them. God loves you. So do I.