Be a Christian First
By Capazin Thornton
Being a Christian first speaks of three things:
- Priority of Relationship
- Priority of Identification
- Priority of Representation
Christian First
Priority of Relationship
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”—1 John 3:1a
The eternal God has adopted Christ believers as His children. He has given us the privilege of calling Him our Father. And He has granted us access to Himself any time day or night.
Our fellowship with God should come first. When we stay in intimate communion with Him, He sees to it that we have whatever we need—solutions, grace, comfort, help. Because, He is a good, good Father, all the time.
Christian First is a Priority of Identification
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” —2 Cor 5:17
God made us new creations in Christ. We are a new kind of human—people with a re-created spirit indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God! WOW!
Thus, we should be governed by the inward supernatural life of the Spirit, not dominated by outward conditions and ordinances. This is the priority of identification as a Christian first.
Priority of Representation
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”—2 Cor 5:20
God calls us to represent the greatest King and kingdom there is or ever will be!
He has given us influence—in our homes, workplace, churches, community, state, nation and, yes, on social media. But are we being a Christian first and using our influence to represent the King and His kingdom?
Or are we spending our time acting in ways that bear no resemblance to the glorious Christ we are called to represent?
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I want to be known as a Christian first and inspire people to want to know the ever-living, ever-loving God. How about you?
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”—1 John 4:7
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What do you believe it means to be a Christian first? Please feel free to post your comments.
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Capazin Thornton is a Christian Speaker and Author in Orange County, California.
