The word Christian is derived from “Christ”. As such, Christian refers to followers of Christ. Further, Christian identifies the relationship, which exists between Jesus Christ and human beings. This means that people who are Jesus servants have the mandate of ensuring that they serve Him will. This comprises of focusing on doing, thinking, and saying according to the expectations of Jesus at all times. In the Bible, Paul indicates in Philippians 1:21 that in “Christ” there is a need to have spiritual maturity. This shows that one has to keep on interacting with Jesus Christ in order to obtain the desired level of spiritual maturity.
Christian has the boundaries of the relationship of people and Jesus Christ. This indicates that for one to be a Christian, he or she has to have a relationship with “Christ”. This relationship is entailed to adhering to teaching of Jesus Christ and participation in the various practices as per the expectations of Jesus Christ. Further, Christian illustrates a complete adherence to the religious teachings of Christ and following His rules and laws. The society observes the practices and behavior of people regarded as Christians. This indicates that Christian word has a boundary on social expectations in terms of behavior and practices.
Christian concept is different from other concepts since it is founded on the relationship, which is established between people and Jesus Christ. This concept is also different since it is based on biblical teachings of who Jesus Christ is. Apostle Paul, in the Bible, refused people to refer to him as Christian. This illustrates that Christianity is a broad concept, which is controversial. This is because different people have different perceptions on this concept. According to Paul, people should not focus on being referred to as Christian. Instead, they should focus on being Christ disciples and establishing a strong relationship with Christ. On the same note, Jesus never called people to be Christians, in the Bible. Rather, Jesus called people to be His disciples and followers. Interpretations of people on who is a Christian and the behavior of Christians leads to the emergence of conflict on who should be regarded as a Christian, as well as controversy on how Christians should be treated.
A broad categorical definition of the word is that Christian refers to followers of “Christ”. However, not all followers of “Christ” are Christians. This is because “Christ” calls for true followers and not pretenders. This leads to a subcategory of “a true Christian”. “A true Christian” has the power and ability to follow all the teachings of “Christ”, as well as practice such teachings without ignoring or pretending.
Most people are focused on “being Christ-like or Christians”. Considering “Christ-like”, this indicates equality of two comparisons. As such, people regarding themselves as “Christ-like” symbolize that they are equal to “Christ”. There is a need to obtain a change in this and people focus on “Like-Christ” definition. This illustrates that people are aimed at Jesus Christ as their goal, which they seek to achieve.
Based on this, personal definition of the word Christian would be an individual who has the ability of creating an effective relationship with “Christ”. This is because creating such a relationship leads to learning and comprehending more about Jesus Christ in terms of the teachings and expectations for one to be “a true Christian”.
