JenTekk Blog

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.” ~ Psalm 42:1

As a member of several networking forums, I am no stranger to the process of filling in one’s profile. The purpose of a profile is to reveal a bit about yourself and bring some definition to who you are through your occupation, company, interests, website, blog etc.

On occasion, a profile will also include an opportunity to share information of a more personal nature such as hobbies, activities, political stand, and religious views. It is the latter than I find myself giving much thought to.

In the 2001 Census, 78 % of Canadians claimed to be Christian, yet there is seeming little similarity in how this ‘religious view’ is lived out in their lives.

With so many people calling themselves a Christian, and their lives, choices, convictions and morals contradicting each other, I wonder how calling myself a Christian could possibly draw a clear picture of my ‘religious views’.

Historically, the first known usage of the term “Christian” can be found in the New Testament of the Bible (Acts 11:26) to denote those known or perceived to be followers of Jesus Christ (Christ-ian).

Beautifuly and simply, Jesus’ teachings could be summed up this way “…to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as we love ourself” (Matt. 22: 37-39). Sadly, many who call themselves Christians have forgotten where it all began, and what it really looks like to be a Christian.

It is then, by Biblical definition that I humbly call myself a Christian. The one with the Jesus factor!

~
I’d like to end with the following poem emailed to me earlier this week. I can relate to it. It humbly shows the heart of one living in God’s grace:

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost! That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge
I have no authority–I only know I’m loved

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

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This entry was posted on Saturday, November 17th, 2007 at 8:33 pm and is filed under Personal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.