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"And the disciples were called Christians first
at Antioch". Acts 11:26.
It means something to be called a Christian in our society.
It means more to be one; more than being known as a member
of a Church of whatever denomination or description. That
could be for a reason like being born into one, a heritage
of family; married into one, an accommodation of partnership;
or because someone or something, encouraged joining a church,
perhaps a spiritual experience which had a profound effect
on a person's attitude to religion and life.
Loyalty to a Church may appear to be simple, sentimental,
useful attachment. It can be the confidence born of the conviction
that your Church has the truth about God and His dealings
with people; an inspiring satisfying form of worship and teaching
and preaching in keeping with that truth; a fellowship which
is stimulating and helpful in shared beliefs and experiences.
It means more to be a Christian than to belong to a Church
for the Christian is the person who has committed their life
to Christ and who lives by faith in Him and what that gives
is the benefits from such a relationship. It is to live to
the pattern for living Jesus set in character and conduct
and in His selfless service for God and people. The first
to be called Christians were the disciples of Jesus who lived
in Antioch. The description was intended to be of contempt
for them, a mocking, jesting nickname. They took the nickname
and made it one of pride, and determined to prove that the
name represented what was the best way to live, as a follower
of Jesus. In the years that followed when persecution fell
heavily on Christians there were many, and some from Antioch
who honoured the Name with the sacrifice of their lives. They
lost their lives all the way to Rome and there too.
Among those thrown to the lions in Rome was Ignatius, the
Bishop of Antioch. Writing from Smyrna on the journey there
he asked his friends: "Only pray for me for strength
both inward and outward, that I may not only be called a Christian,
but also found to be one."
Most of us from our beginning days in this country heard
about Jesus and the satisfaction and salvation He brings to
those who believe in Him. We were told, and taught, about
His life, death and resurrection and what it means for humanity.
We were made aware, as John and Andrew were, of Jesus when
John the Baptist pointed Him out to them by the wayside in
Galilee, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin
of the world."
We were told that to be a Christian meant to believe this,
that Jesus is the man by whom God took human flesh to appear
as a man among men; that we should believe in Him as our Saviour
and to follow Him as our Lord. We are "right with God"
when we believe this and live our lives in keeping with the
demands of that faith in sincerity, honesty and decency, to
witness by lip and life to it.
We may be helped to do that through the Church. The worship,
witness and work of the Church is very important to the Christian.
The Christian presence and voice should mean that Christians
are engaged, involved, in every matter of consequence in their
society and that as individuals and collectively they contribute
positively to its well being. They are well aware that in
today's secular society their contributions are likely to
be refused or ignored, but they must not be silent.
There are standards they must emphasise which are needful
in a well ordered society, fundamentals of good behaviour,
and of concern that the people are treated respectfully and
fairly, irrespective of class, creed or colour. We do not
need to spell out its weaknesses and inadequacies for they
are well known to all of us.
Rev. Canon Dr. S.E. Long
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