This Is Christianity. PART 2

Many people say that they don't need God, but yet they never find true joy in their lives. When a person
 repents of their sin and selfishness and chooses to begin that new and personal relationship with God, they will experience happiness and their life will be different.

          The Bible tells us that anyone who is truly a Christian will have a new life; they will live differently than others.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Now, here is where a lot of people miss the mark. They claim that being a Christian means that they act weird in some way, make fools of themselves, etc. However, when the Bible says that a Christian is to be different, it is referring to the way in which a person lives their life, such as being kind to others (even those who are not kind to you), honoring and respecting your parents and those in authority, seeking to help those in need, not ruining your body by things such as smoking and other things hazardous to one's health. In other words....living a "clean" life.

        A true Christian is to follow the commands of the Bible, paying close attention not to twist verses out of context or claim things mean what they really don't. One must interpret scripture in light of all other scripture. And one must learn to live for others.
In the Gospel of John, we find the following story:
"So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." (John 13:12 - 17)

      Back in the time period in which this story took place, people wore open sandals, and the roads were just dirt and dust. So, when people would come into a house, they would remove their sandals, and the servant or lowliest person in the household would wash their feet.
Here Jesus Christ took it upon Himself to do this task. Here was the Son of God washing feet, one of the lowest jobs of the day. He did it to leave us an example of how we are to live our lives as Christians. We are to put others first, we are to be kind and helpful. People should notice something different about us.

       There are a lot of people in today's world who wouldn't dare stoop to such a task, but yet they claim to be Christians. They look down there nose at other people, they fly off the handle at the slightest irritation, they scream and holler at their family, and then they claim the name of Jesus. That is NOT a Christian attitude, or how a Christian should live.
I should point out here that even Christians aren't perfect. Anyone who claims to be perfect is wrong. There will be times in even the best Christian's life where he/she makes wrong choices, and does things they're not supposed to. The true Christian will however shortly realize the error of their ways and make steps to correct them.

       Now there are some religious groups who try to force their doctrine upon others, and who claim anyone who does not follow their beliefs as their enemy. That is not the proper attitude of a Christian. While I firmly believe in God and know my personal relationship with Jesus Christ has made a difference in my life, I am not foolish enough to think that everyone is going to agree with me. What you choose to believe is your choice to make. However, I will tell you from experience that a genuine relationship with Christ can bring peace to your life and give you the joy and happiness many are seeking for.
The next time someone claims to be a Christian, watch their life. You can always tell a TRUE Christian by the way they live. And if you're going to claim the name of Jesus Christ, make sure your life backs up your claim.