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To be a good Christian is to walk in the footsteps of Christ, embodying His teachings, and radiating His love in every facet of our existence. Being a good Christian extends beyond participating in Christian rituals and traditions. It is more than being baptized, going to church every Sunday, reciting Bible verses, and taking part in other normal church activities.
A popular and very powerful quote by MacArthur reads, “You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read, and your life is under scrutiny every day. What do others learn from you? Do they see an accurate picture of your God?” Being a good Christian is a daily commitment to emulate the virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ. It is about cultivating a heart of compassion, extending forgiveness, and embracing a life of selfless service. The characteristics of a good Christian are not confined to religious gatherings but are shown through daily interactions, decisions, and responses to life. A good Christian is one who others can learn good virtues from. When you look at your life, is there any virtue that people would want to emulate?
· Obeys God’s Word
A fundamental characteristic of a good Christian is a great commitment to obeying God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding our actions and choices. A good Christian recognizes the Bible as the ultimate authority and diligently seeks to align their life with its teachings. This obedience is not a mere adherence to rules but a heartfelt response to God’s wisdom. It involves a willingness to follow His commandments, imitating the life of Christ, and allowing the Holy Scriptures to shape their character and conduct. In John 14:21 (NIV), Jesus says, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” A good Christian follows the teachings of Christ and walks in obedience to the commands of God.
· Lives in Holiness
Holiness is a hallmark of a good Christian, as exemplified in 1 Peter 1:16: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Living in holiness means striving for purity and righteousness in thought, speech, and action. It involves a conscious effort to distance oneself from sin and align with God’s standard of moral excellence. A good Christian recognizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and allows sanctification to take root in their life. Holiness is not a pursuit of perfection but a continuous journey of becoming more Christ-like, marked by repentance, surrender, and a commitment to live a life set apart for God’s glory.
· Does Not Conform to Worldly Patterns
A good Christian stands firm in their faith and refuses to conform to the patterns of the world. Romans 12:2 instructs believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This involves resisting the pressures to adopt values contrary to the teachings of Christ. Seeking God’s approval takes precedence over gaining the approval of mankind. This characteristic embodies a courage to swim against the current of societal norms when they conflict with God’s principles. A good Christian finds their identity and purpose in Christ and not in society. They find fulfillment in pleasing God rather than seeking the fleeting approval of the world.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV) says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” We cannot claim to be followers of Christ if what we only seek is to win the approval of society. Our focus must be on pleasing the Lord and doing what draws us closer to Him. His approval is the affirmation of a life lived in accordance with His will.
· A Good Christian Is Humble
Humbling oneself is a distinctive trait of a good Christian who echoes the example set by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Proverbs 8:13 (NIV) says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” A good Christian does not do the things that God hates; they are not proud but humble. Humble Christians acknowledge their dependence on God’s grace and power. They do not boast but recognize that every good gift is from above. This humility is expressed in interactions with others, where a good Christian seeks to serve rather than be served. Humility fosters an open heart, ready to learn, grow, and extend grace to others. It reflects a genuine understanding of one’s flaws and a willingness to rely on God’s strength rather than personal accomplishments.
· Shows a Good Example
A good Christian is a living testimony of Christ’s transformative power. Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good works and glorify God. Showing a good example involves integrity, authenticity, and consistency in living out the teachings of Christ. Whether in the workplace, community, or family, a good Christian strives to be a reflection of love, kindness, and righteousness. This example is not rooted in self-righteousness but emanates from a genuine desire to reflect God’s character and draw others closer to Him.
· A Good Christian Is Not Double-Minded
The Word of God warns against being double-minded, describing such individuals as unstable in all their ways. James 1:6-8 (NIV) says, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” A good Christian exhibits a steadfast and undivided commitment to their faith. They do not vacillate between worldly ideologies and biblical principles but stand firm on the unchanging foundation of God’s Word. This characteristic involves a clarity of purpose and an unwavering allegiance to Christ. It involves boldly resisting the lure of contradictory beliefs and championing God’s truths. A good Christian seeks spiritual maturity through a single-minded devotion to God, aligning their thoughts, desires, and actions with the unchanging truth of the Gospel. This steadfastness enables them to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and assurance, anchored in the unshakeable promises of God. Don’t leave people questioning whether you are truly a Christian or not by your double-mindedness.
· Seeks Spiritual Growth
A good Christian is the one who earnestly seeks to grow spiritually. Ephesians 4:13-14 (NIV) says, “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” The goal of Christians is to attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. We engage in practices such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, actively seeking a deeper understanding of God’s character so that we may become like Christ. This pursuit is not driven by a desire for personal acclaim but by a genuine hunger for a deeper relationship with God. A good Christian is willing to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and allow the fruits of the Spirit to flourish in their life. They acknowledge that the Christian journey is a continuous process of refinement.
· Does Not Envy the Life of the Wicked
A good Christian resists the temptation to envy the success or pleasures of those who live contrary to God’s principles. Psalm 37:1 cautions against fretting because of evildoers and emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord. Instead of coveting the lifestyles of the wicked, a good Christian maintains steadfast faith in God’s sovereignty, perfect timing, and His plan for their lives. This characteristic reflects contentment in God’s provision, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning one’s life with God’s will, not from worldly pursuits. By focusing on God’s promises and principles, a good Christian avoids the pitfalls of envy.
· Is Not Self-Righteous but Repents When Wrong
A good Christian embraces humility and acknowledges their vulnerability to sin. Luke 18:13 tells the story of the tax collector who, in humility, sought God’s mercy. Similarly, a good Christian recognizes their need for God’s grace and does not succumb to self-righteousness. When they are wrong or fall short, a good Christian is quick to repent and seek reconciliation. This characteristic reflects a heart that is sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to growth and a recognition that God’s mercy is central to the Christian journey. In admitting their faults and seeking forgiveness, God helps them to find and walk in the paths of righteousness. Moreover, they open their hearts to be guided by the Spirit of God in a world that is filled with temptations.
