What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” - Hans urs von Balthasar.   

The meaning of Christian: A believer in Christ.  

To our surprise, the word Christian is only used three times in the New Testament.

Have you ever been asked, “Are you a Christian?” Have you ever answered, “Yes, I am”? Have you ever paused to consider why you use that word?

If this word carried such spiritual weight, why wasn’t it used more often in Scripture? How did it come into existence in the first place? My curious mind took me on a journey…

The word Christian is derived from Christ. Most of us see that connection on the surface… without ever pausing to explore why we carry this label… or how it came to define a class of people. As followers of Christ, there’s often an underlying current of being misunderstood or even rejected. Perhaps that’s how this word evolved into a kind of badge… both an identifier and a shield.

Many will think you’re strange. Some will shun you. Others may walk away. But in calling ourselves Christians, we often find comfort… we’re not alone in this mysterious, miraculous walk with Him.

And yet… it remains a deeply personal journey for every man, woman, and child. At the heart of it, we must each walk and build our relationship with Christ alone. It’s a path of commitment… of falling in love with Him over and over again.

Still, we find comfort in being part of a Christian community… a family of believers. We learn from those who’ve walked this road before us. But I can’t help but wonder… has the word lost some of its luster over time? Has it become a loose label—used casually by those who may not even know why they claim it? Are we walking the walk… or just saying the words?

Many have formed a true relationship with Christ. They are confident enough to stand alone… unashamed. They can boldly say, “I am a believer in Christ. I follow His teachings. I understand His message. I love Him… and I’ll share His love with anyone who will listen.”

I am a spiritual work in progress. Every day, I work to strengthen my relationship with my Creator. And if you feel the need to give me a label, I won’t take it personally. You can call me a Christian… a believer… a follower… spiritual… a fanatic… even crazy. I’m at peace with who I am in Him. Because unless you’ve felt Him stirring in your soul… you may never understand.

Giving me a label only reveals your own uncertainties.

He is where my strength lies.

He is where my forgiveness begins.

He is where my love for you is born…

And it’s all because of…

It’s Him. It’s always Him.

 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Psalm 28:7   

 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians 3:13  

 "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. " Psalm 16:11

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

In Christ Alone - Natashia Midori (with lyrics)