Values Quotes – Christianity on Belonging

Todays quote is from the popular Christian view about what it means to be a Christian.

It is not uncommon to hear the following quote:
“The term Christian means belonging to Christ.”

But what exactly does it mean to “belong”?

As a differentiating value, Belonging means happiness felt in a secure relationship; acceptable; or rightly classified.

Well as one who claims to be a Christian, I feel very secure in my relationship with Christ. After all, He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that I can be called a Child of God. And in spite of all my faults and failings – and sin – I feel very accepted by Him. Yup, I’m proud to be rightly classified as a Christian.

So I guess that means I belong to Christ…. which I find rather comforting.

But did you know that the term Christian is only used 3 times in the entire Bible? Twice in Acts [Acts 11:26, 26:28] and once in Peter [1 Peter 4:16]. This means that being identified as a Christian is vastly less important than being one. In other words, one must live a life worthy of being called a Christian.

For me, that will take a lifetime to live up to.

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Appreciation-Kindness” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.