What it means to be a follower of Christ......

[michel]

This morning, as I meditated, and prayed, I recalled a post from yeterday (one unfortunately of which I have forgotten the name of the member, or the thread in which this matter was discussed).

I have noticed that non-theists often allude to theism as a 'crutch' or a possible ploy to be used in case there is a God, (i.e be a follower just in case).

The post of which I am thinking of explored the responsabilities and the onus of being a Christian.

It is most certainly not a case of a quick 'dunk' in the baptismal font, a weekly visit to the church, and regular (oh, blast! sorry God)'s.

The poster, I seem to remember made the comparrison of being a Christian as one who is prepared to 'carry the cross' . It was only later that the import of that comment sunk in; yes, I feel I actually do have to carry a cross, as do all Christians.

I have made a conscious descision to try and live up to standards I can never possibly attain (which, when you think about it is pretty arduous); it almost sounds masochistic. It is not though, it is done in Love for Christ, and in the hope that I may, sometimes, come within the hard to achieve example of the son of God, during his incarnation on Earth.

I do it willingly, and it is my choice to do so. I am not asking for recognition for doing so, but I thought maybe that non-theists might be interested in what I see as being the true meaning of being a follower of Christ.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I have noticed that non-theists often allude to theism as a 'crutch' or a possible ploy to be used in case there is a God, (i.e be a follower just in case).

Pascal was a theist.

The post of which I am thinking of explored the responsabilities and the onus of being a Christian.

Isn't this more appropriate to the same faith forum?

 

[joeboonda]

Yeah, Christianity is not a crutch for the weak, its alot easier to just do your own thing and party on and go along with the world. It takes a real man/woman to stand up for the gospel. What is funny is that the gospel is really good news, that we do not have to work for salvation, but that God loves us in spite of our sin and paid for it freely. Because he loved us, we want to become more like him, in spite of our old nature, because love motivates a person much more than fear. And, Praise God, He is living inside us, the Holy Spirit empowering us to become more and more like Christ, even when we seem to be so far away. I am so glad I accepted Christ, the Bible says Jesus loves me and will never leave me, and when I look at my failures, I look to his word and trust in Him, who loves me and gave his life for me.

 

[ALifetimeToWaitFor...]

Yeah, Christianity is not a crutch for the weak, its alot easier to just do your own thing and party on and go along with the world. It takes a real man/woman to stand up for the gospel.
because love motivates a person much more than fear.

I personally don't believe that Christ's message is or should be facile and simple to follow. But many use the fact that they repented for their sins as a crutch without actively following Christ's message or educating themselves on it. Christianity is tough it is arduous, i know from experience, but that doesn't mean it is a special teaching. Buddhism has similar standards that are just as tough to follow. Read The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva and tell me if its easy. In essence we all want to be something better than what we are no matter our religion or faith and that is just as arduous of a journey as anything.

Secondly why if love motivates more than fear are we at war with our berthen constantly to protect our selves and why do we exclude/kill what we don't know and are afraid of.

To quote Nietzche "What is the most common human characteristic fear or laziness?"