Keeping CHRIST in CHRISTian!

Dear readers. Dear Christian brothers and sisters, I am writing this to inform you that there must be integrity behind your claim as a Christian. I am Not writing this to judge nor condemn you,for I too am a sinner,fallen short of God's glory. God has just laid it on my heart that this is an important issue. When you claim to be a Christian, you are claiming more than a religious option;circle A, B, C, or D. You are claiming Christ and everything Christ represents. ''And now, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.'' Colossians 2:6-7 Our very character must display that of Christ, daily, for those who have not seen God, to see God. ''If any of you wants to be my follower,you must turn from your selfish ways,take up your cross daily, and follow me.'' Jesus in Luke 9:23 ''Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God.'' Colossians 1:15 This can not be done by just one of us. It takes all of us working together, each with a unique purpose. ''All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it.'' 1 Corinthians 12:27 The human body is controlled by signals that come from the brain. Each of the body parts has a different function. The body of Christ,or the church, works no different. Some of us are the feet. Some the legs,arms,hands and so forth. Christ is the brain! If we fail to follow Christ,and what he represents, it is as if we have caused paralysis in the church. ''What good is it,dear brothers and sisters,if you say you have faith but don't show it in your actions?Can that kind of faith save anyone?'' James 2:14 It was never promised that it would be safe or easy or fun, to follow Christ. It is a constant,daily,restless journey,to strive to be like Christ. But rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven. A message from Jesus to his followers, ''Foxes have dens to live in,and birds have nests,but the Son of Man has no place to even lay his head.'' Luke 9:58