In a world where religion is merely an association or affiliation to a group, being a genuine Christ-follower is very important. More than just being a Christian in terms of religious affiliation, everybody who is called by the name of Christ should pursue Him, and not themselves.

I've seen many people who confess to be Christian but don't show the qualities of Christ. I myself grew up confessing that I was a Christian, but at first didn't hold values consistent with Christ-likeness. I've seen many people preach fiery messages but fail to live up to them.

What I've realised through all these years is that Christianity isn't about being a Christian at all. It's about Christ.

Deny Yourself

I always write this in my articles, but I'll never get tired of writing it: Everyone who desires to follow Christ must first learn to deny themselves and take up their crosses. This goes beyond rhetoric – it is an actual command and demand by the Lord Jesus Himself.

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me," the Lord Jesus said according to Matthew 16. "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"

Anybody who wants to be a real Christian must realise that it's not about having a good reputation, having various college degrees, getting a six-digit salary, owning a large villa, and acquiring dozens of cars—even if all of these are for "preaching the gospel" and stuff. No, it's not about our reputation as a Christian, our dreams, and our desires. It's about living for the purposes of God in our generation.

Being a Christian Has Its Responsibilities

Being a Christian has its weights and responsibilities, first and foremost of which is to humble one's self to seek God and bring His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God said, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Fellow Christians, it's not about us. Being a "Christian" and "saved" is not enough. We must seek God and let His will be done on earth through us. We must be willing to lay down our lives for Him who died to give us this life we now live. Are we willing?

It's easy to be a Christian by name, but difficult in real life. Real Christ-followers go beyond the religious affiliation or denomination. They go for living to glorify Christ.