What is Christianity?

Our prayer this week deals with how we live out Christianity daily.  How would you answer the questions, “What is Christianity?” or “What does Christianity look like?”  Is it mysterious?  Is it supernatural?  Is it to be found only in the extraordinary?  Or, is it found in an ordinary, albeit Christ-like, way of life?  Consider the following characteristics about Christianity.

Christianity is a discipleship.  The common call to Jesus’ immediate disciples was, “follow Me.”  In the context of suffering Peter admonished his readers to follow the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2.21).  Jesus made it abundantly clear that His followers would hear His voice and follow Him (John 10.27; cf. Mark 8.34).  So what does this look like today?  Well, it seems to be God’s people doing God’s work.

Christianity is for ordinary people.  While our world has a tendency to create hierarchies in nearly everything—including religion—God’s system is different.  The wise (1 Corinthians 1.26-29), the rich (James 5.1-6), and the powerful (Hebrews 11.24-26) have elicited special warnings in the Bible suitable for the viable dangers inherent in these lifestyles.  We all need a savior and have never ceased to need that Savior.

Christianity is 24/7.  Am I still a Christian as a husband?  Parent?  Friend?  Employee?  Christianity is not designed to be compartmentalized into a small part of one day of the week.  Rather, it is designed to permeate all areas of my life.  Paul illustrated it well in Philippians 1.21.  “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  As long as Paul still had life, he would live for God.

Finally, Christianity demands everyday (although distinct) characteristics.  I am to apply things like faith, hope, and love to all areas of my life and worship (1 Corinthians 13.13).  Christianity must be demonstrated in person to person interaction.  At some point, Christianity must go beyond the walls of worship and be clearly seen in my daily interaction with others (Matthew 5.16).  It demands discipline (1 Corinthians 9.27) and dedication (Philippians 3.12-14).  I like to sum up these final characteristics in one word – commitment.

Christianity is not to be seen in the supernatural, but rather the natural interaction of ordinary people on a daily basis.  This does not mean that God has never used the supernatural, nor is He incapable of it, but it rather illustrates the practical Christian life as directed through the scriptures.  Let’s seek God’s help this week to keep Christianity real in our everyday lives.

Lord, help me keep it real.  

--Rob Berghost