A True Christian

Once we encounter Jesus, in whatever state we are at in life, we are empowered to be liberated from the gravity of what holds us down and lifted up through the challenge of the cross to the joyful abundant life of a true Christian. 

A true Christian is someone who is being transformed, in grace, through the cross into another Christ -- By nature, only Jesus of Nazareth is the true Christ of God. When we are being transformed into another Christ we begin to see others as Christ. We feel drawn to love even those who hate us.

As true Christians we become aware that every thought, word, and action that proceeds from us is directed toward Christ himself, and whatever we hold back from those in need, is held back from Christ himself. Jesus words are clear: "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did to me." and "Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me." [Matthew 40 & 45] 

No matter how irrelevant our thoughts, acts, and words are, they must always be interactions of love toward the other. There is not even a small moment in time where that is not commanded of us (John 13:34): in times of war or peace, stress or tranquility,  in interactions with a child or an elder, with a family member or a stranger, in every place and every case and at all times. Moments of failure will challenge us, but within God's mercy we can only be humbled and become more dependent on God. 

The secret then is to always place ourselves in a state of humility and prayer, while sheltered in God's mercy. On our own we will never get far since"With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." [Mark 10:27] We must strive to unify our will with God's in order to call ourselves "True Christians."