There is a lot of confusion today about what it means to be a “Christian.” And many people get very discouraged, confused, frustrated, and even outraged when they see all the problems, inconsistencies, hypocrisies, and corruption evident in Christian circles and in the lives of so-called Christian pastors, leaders, and influencers.
I get it.
But…
If I’m describing your confusion and frustration…
You’re looking at the wrong thing.
You will not understand Christianity by looking at Christians.
Let me repeat that…and please read this very, very carefully: you will NOT understand Christianity by looking at Christians.
Now, before anyone jumps on me for that, let me issue two important clarifications….
First, if by “Christianity,” you are referring to the overall faith movement or “community” of believers that identify as (or are identified by others as) “Christians,” then…yes…as a social science or demographic category…okay. In that case, yes, you can describe Christianity by looking at Christians. But the problem is… that doesn’t get you to the truth. It just puts you in a circular and recurring pattern of confusion.
Many people today are labeled “Christian” based on cultural identity, family background, or survey responses — a social or demographic categorization. But being a genuine Christ follower goes far deeper: it means a personal relationship with Jesus, surrendering to Him as Lord, and seeking to live according to His teachings.
In short, Christianity isn’t just a box to check — it’s a life to live in step with Christ.
And few people actually, genuinely, and consistently walk in step with Jesus.
That leads to the second caveat or clarifier. I’m not letting fake, fraudulent, heretical, corrupt, or scandalous professing Christians off the hook. Human nature being human nature, it’s a fact that bad Christians will impact how people see Jesus and the Bible. The Bible itself acknowledges this, which is why we are called to be loving and credible witnesses for Christ.
I’m simply pointing out some logic here. When confronted with bad Christians, recognize this is bad. Recognize there is a disconnect. But…
Remember…a bad Christian does not, in fact, mean a bad Jesus.
So, if you want to understand the heart of Christianity, don’t look to the flawed and imperfect people identified with Christianity; instead, look to the Founder of Christianity. Look at the guy whose name adorns the entire movement!
Look to Jesus.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”
— Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
Jesus is the author of the Christian faith. He’s the one who defined it, demonstrated it, and fulfilled it. And He is also the finisher — the one who completes and perfects our faith. No Christian, no matter how faithful, kind, or spiritually mature, can ever take the place of Christ.
Jesus alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
The best of us will sometimes stumble. The worst of us may claim to represent Him. But Jesus remains the same: faithful, holy, compassionate, and true.
So if you want to know what Christianity is really about, don’t begin with Christians.
Begin with Christ.
Thank you for Reading!
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