The Essence of Being a Christian: A Dream and a Reflection

One recent night, I had a dream. I found myself in a conference room surrounded by seven or eight career women, many of whom I have worked with over the years. The room buzzed with the usual mix of camaraderie and professional banter. Suddenly, our conversation turned to a profound topic: what the core of Christianity is.

Our Initial Thoughts

As we shared our thoughts, I heard:

• “Going to church and worshipping”
• “Giving to the poor”
• “Working toward peace”
• “Helping others”
• “Being kind and caring”
• “Forgiving others and making things right when you’ve hurt someone.”

These are all important aspects of living a Christian life, yet they seemed to miss its core essence.

The Heart of Christianity

John 3:16 reminds us: “For God so loved the world (substitute your name) that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

This verse encapsulates the foundation of Christianity—belief in Jesus Christ’s substitionary death for us. When we receive this free gift of grace, we receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal through accepting Christ’s payment for our sin.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” (II Corinthians 5:16-21)

This profound truth tells us that our sins are not reckoned against us if we recognize our sin and trust in Jesus Christ. Once we receive his gift of salvation, God sees us as clean and righteous–because of Jesus. God is just, righteous, and loving, and these attributes come together in a perfect balance.

God’s Desire for a Relationship

Many think of God as someone waiting to punish us for doing wrong, but 2 Peter 3:9 reveals His true desire.

He wants everyone to come to repentance and have a relationship with Him.

Created in His image, we have inherent value because Jesus died for us.

Our late pastor, Tim Wood, beautifully encapsulated this.

He lived the life I couldn’t live and died the death I should have died.

1 John 5:12 states, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

An Invitation to Reflect

Are you confident that you have committed your life to Christ, have been forgiven, and do you look forward to eternal life with God? If not, I’d love to talk with you. Please consider these scriptures. Knowing Christ is the pivotal foundation of my life.

I recall my nephew’s unexpected decision to be baptized one Easter Sunday. When asked why, he simply said, “Because I found a church where it was okay to ask my questions, to seek answers.” Like him, I sometimes face doubts or questions, but our God is big enough to handle them and continues to love and guide us.

Finishing the Dream

I’d like to finish that dream by sharing these truths with my colleagues, to clarify what it really means to be a Christian, a Christ-follower.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)

“When I think of your goodness and your love for me, Oh, the joy of my salvation is coming back to me. It’s just an old hallelujah with a new melody.” From The Old Church Basement, by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music.

Call to Action

If you’re unsure about your faith or have questions, reach out. Let’s explore this journey together.