Marks of A Christian

   “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12: 12)

   In his letter to the Romans Paul writes about the marks of the true Christian.  The passage above is one of those marks.  Our life as Christians should be filled with the marks of a true Christian.  If they are others will see our faith and perhaps be led to faith themselves.  A priest once said, “I’d rather see a homily than hear one.”  We can be that homily if we live our lives as Christians.  The example we set can be a beautiful means of evangelization.

   We have the hope of salvation and eternal life through the sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross.  He paid the debt we are unable to pay.  He took our sins upon Himself and sacrificed His own life in order to open the door to heaven for those who believe.  We must rejoice in this promise and this hope.

   There will be times of tribulation, pain and suffering.  This is part of being a Christian.  Our Lord was not spared these things.  He was patient in His tribulations, and He overcame them.  He brought life from death and offered life to us as well.  Regardless of the hardship we experience we are to be patient, waiting for the Lord to make all things new again.  This is His promise and He keeps His promises.

   Prayer isn’t something we something we do; it is something we live.  In everything we do, we can be in prayer.  Offering our day and everything in it to the Lord in praise and thanksgiving makes all things a form of prayer.  It isn’t necessary to be on one’s knees all day to pray always.  It’s simply necessary to do all things for the greater glory of God, offering all glory, praise and thanksgiving to Him.

   We must live the marks of a true Christian.  Christianity isn’t just a faith or religion; it is a way of life.  Until we make it the totality of our life we still have work to do.  Turn to Him in all things and He will be with us in all we do.

Father make my life one of prayer.

Make of me a saint, one of Your servants.

Let my life reflect true Christianity.

Amen