The Christian Life: Is My Behavior Still Christian?

It's a common question among Christians: if I engage in activities like drinking, smoking, or other behaviors that many believers avoid - does that make me any less Christian or less like Christ?

Understanding the Question

Drinking and smoking, for instance, are not necessarily sinful actions in and of themselves. However, they often come with risks and the potential for harm. The focus shifts to the morality and impact of one's choices on their relationship with God and others. Here, we explore this question and navigate the complexities of Christian living.

Economic Impacts of Unhealthy Habits

To delve deeper, consider the financial implications. Smoking one pack a day at $6.00 per pack results in a monthly expenditure of $180, or $2,160 annually. Over 20 years, this sums to $43,200. This amount could significantly impact your financial stability, especially when considering alternative uses, such as putting down a home mortgage, buying a new car, or funding a child's education. Therefore, such expenses not only strain your finances but also divert resources from more meaningful investments.

Renewing Your Commitment to Christ

True Christian conversion involves more than just outward actions. If you engage in behaviors without guilt or remorse, it might be time to reconsider your commitment. Revisit the core of your faith and the reason you followed Christ in the first place. A deep, personal relationship with God, grounded in repentance and faith, remains the foundational element of Christian living.

Reflections on Behavior and Grace

When evaluating your behavior, consider the following points:

tOther people's opinions matter, but they shouldn't be your primary frame of reference. Focus on admirable and Christian role models, but ultimately, your standards should stem from God's Word and your own faith journey. tOnce you have accepted Christ, your actions are covered by the grace of Christ as long as you remain in Christ. Grace is not a blanket excuse for sin, but a divine provision that covers your shortcomings. tYour actions should be 90% about your relationship with God and 10% about how they affect others. Sin detracts from your relationship with God and can have significant consequences on your walk with Christ.

Ultimately, the question is not about being less or more Christian but about the nature and quality of your relationship with God. Christ is not a tool for forgiveness but a person to be loved and followed. Any sinful behavior creates a distance between you and God and should be addressed and repented of.

Embracing Christ-Like Living

Living a Christian life is about more than avoiding certain behaviors; it's about embodying the character and virtues of Christ. Your behavior can make you more or less like Christ. Behavior un-Christianlike can cause non-Christians to question your faith and its validity, but being a child of God remains a reality.

Ultimately, the focus should be on the quality of your relationship with God. This relationship is vital and should guide every decision and behavior. Let's strive to live in a manner that is consistent with Christ's teachings, honoring and glorifying God in all we do.