In many parts of the world, Christianity is everywhere in name — but much rarer in practice.
Church buildings fill city streets. Bibles are sold by the millions. Entire nations still identify as “Christian.” And yet, when we compare much of modern Christianity with the actual teachings of Jesus, an uncomfortable question emerges:
How many people who call themselves Christians are truly living as disciples of Christ?
That may sound like a harsh question, but it’s one worth asking.
Before we begin, we need to establish something important: in the Bible, a disciple of Jesus is a Christian, and a Christian is a disciple of Jesus. The two are not separate categories. “The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26)
So as you read through the following list, don’t simply ask whether these traits describe some especially radical branch of believers. Ask whether they describe what Jesus expected of all who follow Him.
1. A Christian Is a Servant
Jesus completely redefined greatness.
While the world teaches us to climb higher, gain influence, build status, and have others serve us, Jesus taught the exact opposite:
“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)
In God’s kingdom, greatness is not measured by how many people work for you, admire you, or follow you. It is measured by humility, sacrifice, and service.
A true Christian is not driven by self-promotion or selfish ambition. They look for opportunities to help others, meet practical needs, and put themselves last.
This is one of the clearest distinctions between the spirit of the world and the spirit of Christ.
The world celebrates being a boss. Christ teaches us to become servants.
So ask yourself: Is my life oriented around being served, or serving others?
2. A Christian Has Counted the Cost
Jesus never presented discipleship as a casual add-on to an otherwise normal life.
He repeatedly warned people to count the cost.
In one of His most confronting messages, Jesus said:
“Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33)
That is not a verse many people hear preached today.
The first disciples may have taken it literally. (Matthew 19:27) The early church may have taken it literally. (Acts 2:44-45) But we convince ourselves that forsaking everything “in our heart” is good enough for today. Why?
The truth is that if God is worth serving, He’s worth serving with all we have. No holding back.
Family, possessions, career, comfort, reputation, future plans — everything must be placed on the altar.
Modern Christianity often asks, “How much can I keep and still follow Jesus?”
But Jesus asks a very different question: Will you give up everything for Me? (Luke 14:33, John 21:15)
Christianity has always involved cost.
But what Christ offers in return is infinitely greater. (Mark 10:29–30; Matthew 13:44–46).
3. A Christian Is Free From the Love of Money
Few topics did Jesus address more directly than money.
He understood the chokehold it has over the human heart. (Matthew 6:21)
Jesus said:
“Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)
He warned:
“How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24)
And He taught people to sell possessions, give generously, store treasure in heaven, and trust God for provision. (Luke 12:33; Matthew 6:25–34)
This is radically different from the image of “Christianity” most of us carry around in our heads. But it’s an image painted by Jesus, and not mere religious tradition.
Our society treats money as freedom. Jesus treated faith in and dependence to money as bondage.
So ask yourself: if I can only love God or money, which do I love? (Matthew 6:24)
4. A Christian Shares the Gospel
Jesus did not call His followers to be passive consumers of religion.
He gave them a mission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
A Christian is not merely someone who privately agrees with Christian doctrines. A Christian is someone who participates in Christ’s mission. And that mission includes going to make disciples.
Jesus called His disciples “fishers of men.” The book of Acts presents a church actively spreading the message of Christ.
Yet many modern believers outsource evangelism entirely — to pastors, missionaries, or churches.
But following Jesus was never intended to be a spectator sport. A genuine Christian wants others to know the truth they have found.
So ask yourself: Am I using my life to help others move closer to Christ, or too comfortable where I’m at to actually go preach?
5. A Christian Is Persecuted
Jesus never promised popularity.
In fact, He promised the opposite.
“You will be hated by all for My name’s sake.” (Matthew 10:22)
Paul echoed this clearly:
“All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
The facts are, the values of Christ conflict with the values of the age.
Truth confronts error. Holiness – being truly set apart – confronts compromise. Obedience confronts rebellion.
Jesus Himself was rejected, misunderstood, and ultimately crucified. Why should His followers expect universal approval?
A Christianity that never costs social capital or reputation is not the Christianity Jesus preached. It might be easy – it’s definitely popular! – but it’s simply not what we see when we take an honest look at the life & teachings of Jesus.
Ask yourself: Does my faith create any meaningful tension with the world around me? And if not, why not?
Conclusion
These are not optional extras for especially committed believers. They are recurring patterns found throughout the teachings of Jesus and the lives of His earliest followers.
A true Christian:
- serves others
- has counted the cost of discipleship
- is free from the love of money
- shares the Gospel
- is persecuted instead of popular
None of these things come naturally. In fact, they run directly against human nature and the priorities of the world.
But that is precisely the point.
Christianity was never meant to be cultural conformity wrapped in religious language. It is a call to follow Jesus — fully, sincerely, and at any cost.
So perhaps the most important question is not:
“Do I identify as a Christian?”
But rather:
“Am I actually following Christ?”
If you were put on trial for being a disciple of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Reclaiming The Way 