Meditation for Perfectionists – Friday April 16, 2021

What’s In A Label?

Acts 11:26: “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”

“When I was a child,” said my friend, “the aunt who raised me used the word, “Christian” as a whip to keep me in line. She often said, ‘This is the Christian way to act,’ when she wanted me to do something or make her look good. Then when she didn’t agree with someone else’s decision or idea she said, ‘That’s not the Christian thing to do!’ Because of my aunt’s attitude I vowed I would never allow myself to be labeled ‘Christian.'”

Some of us may associate the word, Christian, with a set of “dos and don’ts” or a system of shame and blame. Like my friend, we need to re-program our childhood tapes to accept the true meaning of this word. Being a Christian is not merely something we do, it is something we are. In fact, the word was first coined as a noun, not an adjective. People were called Christians because they followed God’s Son, Jesus Christ. The word means Christ’s follower. Becoming a Christian is a free choice. And the natural result is liberating.

Lord Jesus, I back off when anyone defines my relationship with you
like it is a set of shoulds and musts.
Bearing the title of Christian is a graceful privilege.
Help me pass to others the mercy and benevolence of your name.

Copyright Joan C. Webb

For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com