What's in an adjective? or My Identity Crisis

OK, so this is the last time I do an energy drink late in the afternoon. I go to bed thinking about this question with regards to the term Christian or sometimes people in general. What does it mean to be an Evangelical Christian as opposed to a Born-again Christian or simple a Christian? What does it mean to be a Baptist or Lutheran or CMA or Methodist? Am I a liberal or conservative? Do I lean right or left or am I a centrist? I oppose abortion but am uncertain about stem cell research. I think global warming is real but that government imposes itself into to many areas of our life or society.

I am a Christ-follower, someone who loves God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. I try to love others with an equal passion. I am compelled to minister to those in our society who do not have a voice due to their life circumstances. I am prepared to tell others of the hope that I have if I am asked. Finally, as I am out doing life, I come along side others to help them become more like Christ, to live transformed life through the power of the Holy Spirit and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Am I a liberal or conservative (political labels), Evangelical or Main Line or Religious Right (religious labels), Baptist, CMA, Lutheran (denominational labels)? I don't think that I wan to have an adjective added to a description of who I am in Christ, rather I simply want to be describe as on who follows the teachings of Jesus and live a life that brings glory and honor to God.

Actions do speak louder than words

As I ponder on the teachings we find in 1 Peter I come upon these words from Peter:

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV).

Peter is telling his listeners to stay pure, abstain from doing wrong things. Why is he telling them this? He is doing so not so the people can be glorified, but rather so that God may be glorified.

You see, when we live in a manner that is consistent with being a Christ-follower, it is not to draw attention to ourself, rather it is present God in such a way that He is glorified by what we do. How we conduct our daily business, how we treat others, how much road rage we exhibit on our daily commute can all have an impact on others.

Our Christ-centered life is not about following a set of rules to ensure we are doing what we are suppose to do, rather it is about living our life in a consistent manner with how Jesus lived his life. Our actions should speak louder than words. Our action should be such that when people look at our life, God may be glorified. Our actions are a reflection of our beliefs and values, a reflection of our heart condition. Are you living out what you say you believe and value? Are you living out your life in as Jesus did? Are you doing this consistently? I know that I have areas that I need to work on, what about you?