Belonging To Jesus

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The Greek word christianos, which means "follower of Christ" comes from the word christos which means "anointed one."  But the ending to the Greek word christianos is borrowed from the Latin to denote belonging to, as in property.   

 So to say that you are a Christian is so much more than saying that you are a follower of Jesus Christ.  When you say you are a Christian you are essentially saying that you "belong to Jesus" or as Paul puts it, you are "in Christ."  

 When we say that we follow or belong to Jesus, we are identifying ourselves as part of something that is far greater than we are--we are declaring that we are set apart from the ordinary.  We have no fear of the future because we are filled with unbelievable, childlike hope.  

 As I mentioned yesterday, we have been emancipated from our past, and from the things that used to define us.  And we declare unequivocally that we are no longer owned by the things of this world--our allegiance is with Jesus, and Jesus alone.  

When you choose to follow Jesus, to call yourself a Christian, you belong to him, you are defined by him, and you are called to stumble after him the best you can--striving to be like him with all your strength.  Because of Jesus you aren't defined by who you were, but you don't have to be that person any longer... you have been transformed.  

 Live today as someone who has been transformed.  Evaluate every conversation, every thought, every action in light of the newness of life you have because you belong to Jesus. 

 Don't just say you're a Christian---be one.  

 And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always.  

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