Articles
Blameless and Innocent...
How do you define a Christian? As simple a question as that may sound, there seems to
be many different answers. Some would suggest a Christian is a follower of Christ, or maybe one
who is “born again”. Others would suggest that a Christian is a “believer”, but that begs the
question “a believer in what”? All of the above answers are correct, to some extent, but I wonder
if any of these answers really get to the “nitty gritty” of what a Christian is and the life implied
by wearing that name?
Yes, a Christian is one who believes in Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:16), and is willing to
follow Jesus. But this is where a simple answer becomes complicated. What does it mean to truly
follow Jesus? Jesus plainly states, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). To follow Jesus, is to fashion our lives after
His life, “...who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;…” (1 Peter 2:21-23).
Needless to say, a tall order. In fact, it is a life we can’t live without the blood of Jesus (Romans
5:9-11; 1 John 1:9).
Unfortunately, there are many “Christians” today who have chosen to justify their actions
based on convenience. We are in a rush to get to our destination, so speeding is an acceptable
action, and “everyone else is doing it”. We justify the clothes we wear based on availability in
stores and of course, fitting in with the latest trends. Missing worship or Bible class every so
often really isn’t a “big” deal, because the Lord knows my heart. And besides, I am tired from a
hard day of work and have a few chores at home that must be completed before guests arrive.
But, I return to “following” the example of Jesus Christ — no sin and no deceit in His
mouth. The apostle Paul states it this way, “...prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent,
children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,…” (Phil.
2:15). And again, “...in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in
doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be
put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8). Note the exhortation to be
“above reproach” and “having nothing bad to say about us”. Walking in the steps of Christ is a
life which is perfect, shining a light in such a way so others see a difference and then glorify God
(Matthew 5:16).
Are you living that Christian life? Or, are you still trying to justify the things you do,
because you are unwilling to sacrifice yourself to truly follow Christ? ~P. Mowrer
