“Christian” – it’s a word that we hear used quite often. The word “Christian,” which literally means “a follower of Christ,” is found in the Bible a total of three times: “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). “. . . Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). “ Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16).

We would surely not expect a person to decide blindly to become a nurse, for instance, without knowing what such an occupation involves and requires. So it is with becoming a Christian – before a person can make an intelligent, responsible decision to become a Christian, he or she must first understand what it means to be a follower of the Christ. Just what does the life of a Christian include? What does the Lord require of Christians?

If a person is seriously considering becoming a Christian, then he or she needs to know the answer to these questions. Also, anyone that has already been baptized into the Christ and is now enjoying new life in Him (Romans 6:3,4) needs to always keep in mind his or her obligations and privileges as they are set forth in the New Testament.  We do not propose to repeat every single thing that the New Testament says about what the life of a Christian involves, but we would like to mention several different responsibilities of a Christian about which the Bible speaks clearly. The order in which we will note these is not important.

The Lord expects all Christians to

Imitate Jesus – “. . . because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

Obey Jesus in all things – “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “And, why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say”? (Luke 6:46).

Study God's Word – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Pray – “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). “. . . in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).

Be a good example for others – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). “. . . but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation [‘conduct,’ NKJV], in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Assemble to worship God – “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them . . .” (Acts 20:7). “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is . . .” (Hebrews 10:24,25).

Teach the Gospel to others – “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

Put God and His affairs first – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1,2).

Deny self & follow Jesus daily – “And he said to them all, If any man will [‘desires to,’ NKJV] come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Forsake all for Jesus’ sake – “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple . . . whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).

Help others – “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:35,36).

Encourage other Christians – “But exhort one another daily, while it is called today . . .” (Hebrews 3:13). “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Not imitate or love the world – “And be not conformed to [‘fashioned according to,’ ASV] this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .” (Romans 12:2). “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16,17).

Work for the cause of Christ – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Jesus has spoken! He wants us to come to Him and serve Him all the days of our lives – "Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light"(Matthew 11:28-30).

If you have not yet become a Christian, we encourage you to make that courageous decision today. In order to become a Christian, at which point one’s sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus, one must believe in Jesus as the Son of God (John 3:16-18), repent of all past sins (Acts 17:30), confess faith in the Christ (Romans 10:10), and be baptized in water (Mark 16:16).

The Christian life is the greatest life in the world, and with God’s help each of us can faithfully fulfill our responsibilities to Him.