True Christian

Dear Victorious,

What are the hallmarks of an effective Christian? We see so much written these days about hypocrites and all; but there's little to tell us what a true Christian really looks like.

Samantha R. - Flagstaff, AZ

Dear Samantha,

I think there is an easy answer that most of us would immediately think of. It would be someone who "walks the talk." I read somewhere recently where that comparison was drawn between someone who says Jesus versus someone who does Jesus.

The New Testament book of James gives us some pretty solid clarification on the issue. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 also gives us some more specific criteria. A true Christ-follower, who is submitted and surrendered to Christ, will exhibit:

1. Work produced by faith.
2. Labor produced by love.
3. Endurance inspired by hope.

Additionally, I believe a true Christ-follower will:

A. Turn towards God and the righteous things in life (from sin).
B. Serve God (instead of self).
C. Wait for the Son (expect God to deliver on His promises).

Now here's the problem ... the hallmarks of a true Christian are easily obscured by the infallible nature of the human that the true Christian inhabits. In other words, those virtues I just mentioned above? They'll co-exist with the sinful nature as it gradually dies out over the lifetime of that individual.

So the hallmarks of a true Christian are emerging in that person. They may not yet look like solid evidence.