Characteristics of a Christian

G. K. Wallace

            A Christian is a marked man. The whole world can tell who he is. Christ pointed out the definite signs of a true disciple in his Sermon on the Mount. These signs are a part of his character, and all true Christians have every mark to some degree. The marks of a Christian protect him and make it possible for him to lead others to Christ.

The marks of a Christian are not such as is seen by certain religious cults. Jehovah does not tell a child of His how to dress the outward man except that the dress be modest. Any modest apparel comes within the law of God (1 Peter 3:3,4).

What then are some of the true marks of a follower of the Lamb of God?

 1.   He is one who recognized the need of a higher power. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). A proud and haughty spirit is evidence that one is not a true follower of Jesus.

2.   He is sorry for his mistakes. “Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). The man who mourns for his sins will be comforted.

 3.   He is a meek man. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Meekness is not weakness.

 4.   He has an appetite for that which is good. “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). If one is hungry and thirsty for spiritual things he will go where his appetite can be satisfied.

 5.   He is a merciful man. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Cruelty and harshness should have no place in our lives, and we should be kind and gentle in the treatment of the faults and failings of all men.

 6.   He has a pure heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). The heart must be pure as well as the body. When the body sins it is directed by the heart.

 7.   He is a peacemaker. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). In many congregations there are some who constantly make trouble. They are not true Christians regardless of how sanctimonious they may appear. We need in our great brotherhood this day some real peacemakers. Such is the mark of a true child of God.

         A Christian is a marked man. The world can tell he is a disciple of Christ. When one obeys the gospel we have no robe for him to wear that indicates that he is a follower of Christ. We cannot put a ring on his finger nor a hat on his head to show the world that he belongs to the body of Christ. However, if he is truly dependent upon God, sorry for his mistakes, meek, merciful, clean in heart and in life, desires spiritual things and is a peacemaker, all men will know that he walks in the path of right.