Kyle Campbell

Sometimes people ask us, “Why did you become a Christian?” We usually respond, “To obey God,” or “To follow God's plan of salvation.” And we leave it at that all too often. These answers reflect an internal viewpoint. These responses are based on one's view of himself. There is an external viewpoint of which Christians should be aware. Sometimes Christians do not fully understand that being a Christian is much more than wearing a name. It is a way of life; a meeting of some of the greatest responsibilities ever given to man. When we look at the lives of some Christians, we see their confusion in this concept. So the purposes of this brief article will be to show three responsibilities that we have as Christians.

Why did you become a Christian if you're not going to teach others about Christ? Jesus commanded us to teach the lost (Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:15-16). Paul described a servant of the Lord as one who “must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient” (2 Timothy 2:24). There is absolutely no way the lost will be taught without you doing it! The Hebrew writer chastised his readers by saying, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12). Could this be said of you?

Why did you become a Christian if you're not going to attend services faithfully? In order to be obedient, Christians must worship the Lord (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:24-25). Too many Christians suffer from the “Sunday flu” where they are sick on Sunday, but can do anything they want the other days of the week. The importance of joining and supporting a local assembly is seen in the example set by Saul and the words used in the example in Acts 9:26. To “join” means, “to glue or cement together,” then, generally, “to unite, to join firmly,” is used in the passive voice signifying “to join oneself to, to be joined to.” When I fail to do this, I am not being faithful to the Lord. If you are not going to be here, why did you even bother obeying the gospel?

Why did you become a Christian if you're not going to set the right kind of example for others to follow? Jesus called us the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Peter wrote, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12). A poor example ruins any influence you will wield for your neighbors. The Thessalonians were great influences (1 Thessalonians 1:1-8). Paul told the Philippian brethren to follow after him (Philippians 3:17 ; 1 Corinthians 4:16). Can you tell others the same?

How can you expect to reap the benefits of being a Christian if you are not willing to work for them? James 4:17 says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” If you are not doing these or really never had any intention to do these, then why did you ever become a Christian in the first place? It makes no sense to purchase a house and then not live in it! If you have been negligent in these three areas, you need to make a change and become more faithful. Don't forfeit your opportunity in eternity.