In recent weeks, as the noise of election season grows louder, I’ve noticed an increased use of the word “Christian” in various contexts. It’s made me pause and reflect on what it really means to identify as a Christian and what our church truly stands for.
Reevaluating the Meaning of “Christian”
The term “Christian” carries a lot of weight and has different meanings depending on who you ask. It’s important to remember that while we aim to represent Jesus, the word “Christian” has also been associated with things that don’t align with His teachings. This realization is why I’m so grateful that our church starts every service with an altar call—not as an afterthought, but as a priority. We want everyone to know that God loves them and that through Jesus, they are children of God. This time of worship is a chance for us to reconnect with God and renew our commitment to following Him.
“Christian” can mean different things depending on who you ask.
As a church, we have a responsibility to proclaim the truth about who Jesus is—the Son of God, who lived among us, died for us, and rose again. Jesus showed us what it means to truly love our neighbors, and our mission is to model our lives after His example. This is the foundation of our faith: building our lives on God’s love, which is perfectly embodied in Jesus.
The Importance of a Renewed Mind
Over the past month, our church has been exploring the concept of wisdom. We’ve learned that wisdom is not just a momentary insight but a lifelong pursuit. It’s about applying the knowledge God gives us—understanding who God is, how He sees the world, and how He sees us—into our daily lives. Wisdom requires us to continuously grow and renew our minds, not just rely on past experiences or knowledge.
Romans 12:1-2 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is an ongoing process, a daily renewal that shapes how we think, feel, and act. True wisdom involves repentance—a continuous changing of our minds and hearts as we grow closer to God.
Living Out Wisdom
In our journey of faith, we must remain hungry for wisdom and not settle for the knowledge or experiences of the past. We are called to continually seek renewal in our spiritual practices and our community life. This means being intentional about our spiritual growth and making our church a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of their background or differences.
Pursuing Spiritual and Emotional Wellness
It’s also crucial to pay attention to our inner life—our spiritual health and emotional wellness. We must allow God to heal the broken areas of our lives, whether it’s dealing with past trauma, generational patterns, or unhealthy behaviors. This requires radical honesty and humility, trusting God’s grace to guide us through the process.
Finally, wisdom involves discernment in making right choices, both in our personal lives and in our community engagement. We must be careful how we live, constantly seeking God’s will and allowing His wisdom to guide our actions.
As we continue to grow in our understanding of God and His Word, let’s remember that wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge. It’s about applying that knowledge in a way that demonstrates our lives are built on the foundation of God’s love. This is what it truly means to be a Christian—living a life transformed by the love and wisdom of Jesus Christ.
Join The Gathering Place on Sundays
We gather every Sunday, 10 AM, at Temple Beth David located at 4657 Hood Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. Join us for an uplifting message, a chance to connect with a diverse community, and find encouragement. Everyone is welcome—bring your friends and family. Childcare is provided. We can’t wait to see you!
