Why are you a Christian?

Are you a Christian because you were born into it? Because it works for you? Because it changed your life? Because you had some kind of amazing experience with God at summer camp or at a worship service? Because you feel it deep in your heart?

Although these are some of the reasons many Christians offer to the question above, they could easily be the same answers given to questions like “Why are you a Muslim?” or “Why are you a Jehovah’s Witness?” “A Mormon?” “A New Ager?” How do we know which religion is true? After all, Christianity stands or falls based on the resurrection of Jesus being an actual historical event. First Corinthians 15:14 says, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (NIV). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). So if the resurrection actually happened, Christianity is true! And if Christianity is true, the only way to God is through Jesus. This means all other religions are false. As unpopular as it might be to say something like this, it’s not wrong to say something if it’s true. Truth is when what you say lines up with what is real.

As I navigated through my faith crisis, I realized I can’t allow truth to be sacrificed on the altar of my feelings. I can’t allow my fear of offending others to prevent me from proclaiming the gospel. Put simply, I’m not a Christian because it makes me feel good (sometimes it does not), or because it changed my life (although it has), or because it works for me (sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t). I’m a Christian because it’s true.

As we seek truth, let’s pray Psalm 119:17-18:

Father,

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Amen