Philosopher Sidney Harris said, “It is easier to be a ‘humanitarian’ than to render your own country its proper dues; it is easier to be a ‘patriot’ than to make your community a better place to live in; it is easier to be a ‘civic leader’ than to treat your own family with love and understanding: for the smaller the focus of attention, the harder the task.”
Christianity is the same way. It is easy to talk about being Christian in broad generalities; it is extremely difficult to practice Christianity in our daily lives. This, however, is precisely the challenge that we all face. The apostle Paul wrote, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). The word conversation means “behavior, lifestyle, or manner of life.” God expects us to live a life that is consistent with the faith we profess. We are to walk like his children and live according to his will.
One of the greatest hindrances to the spread of Christianity today is the inconsistent lives of Christians. In order for a person to come to Christ, he/she must climb over examples of people who do not practice what they preach.
It is increasingly more difficult to tell what and who people are today. Nobody ought ever to doubt who we are. We are the people of God. We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. We are the followers of Jesus Christ. Now we need to live lives that are consistent with that fact.