Today, the word Christian is everywhere.
On census forms.
In political debates.
On social media bios.
Even in casual conversation.
People proudly—or casually—identify as Christian, even if they never attend church, have never opened a Bible, and have never personally declared allegiance to Jesus Christ. For many, Christian has become a cultural label rather than a surrendered life.
But here is a truth many do not realize:
The term “Christian” did not originate as a badge of honor—and Jesus never called His followers by that name.
“Christian” Began as an Outsider’s Label
The word Christian appears only three times in the New Testament. Its first appearance tells us everything we need to know:
“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
— Acts 11:26
Notice the wording carefully.
They were called Christians.
They did not call themselves Christians.
The term was coined by outsiders, likely as a label of mockery or distinction. In the Roman world, attaching “-ian” to a name meant belonging to or being identified with someone. To be called a Christian meant “those people who follow Christ.”
At the time, that was not a compliment.
It marked believers as strange, socially disruptive, and politically suspicious. To be identified with Christ was to be associated with persecution, loss, and sometimes death. The name “Christian” carried risk, not respect.
Over time, what was once an insult became embraced by the Church. But its original meaning reminds us that it was never meant to be a casual identity.
Jesus Never Said, “Call Yourselves Christians”
What makes this even more significant is that Jesus Himself never used the word Christian.
Not once.
Instead, Jesus consistently used a different word:
“Follow.”
“Follow me.”
“If anyone would come after me…”
“Take up your cross and follow me.”
Jesus did not invite people into a religion.
He invited them into discipleship.
He did not ask for verbal affiliation.
He demanded surrendered obedience.
To follow Jesus meant reordering your entire life—your values, priorities, relationships, and identity. Following was costly. Following was visible. Following required decision and devotion.
Christianity was never meant to be inherited, assumed, or assigned.
The Problem With Cultural Christianity
In today’s culture, Christian often means very little.
Many people claim the name without ever:
- Repenting of sin
- Confessing Jesus as Lord
- Being baptized
- Joining the body of believers
- Sitting under biblical teaching
- Living in obedience to Christ
Some have never personally declared faith in Jesus at all. They simply grew up around church, live in a Christian-influenced region, or agree with certain moral values.
But Jesus never recognized cultural proximity as faith.
He consistently drew a sharp line between those who followed Him and those who merely admired Him from a distance.
Calling yourself Christian does not make you a follower any more than owning a Bible makes you surrendered.
Following Is Personal, Costly, and Visible
Jesus’ call was always personal.
Not “your parents followed Me.”
Not “your culture believes in Me.”
Not “you agree with Me.”
But you—follow Me.
Following Jesus requires a personal declaration. A personal repentance. A personal submission to His authority.
It also produces visible fruit.
Followers of Jesus gather with His people.
They submit to His Word.
They pursue holiness.
They grow in obedience.
They live transformed lives over time.
This does not mean perfection—but it does mean direction.
Reclaiming the Weight of the Name
There is nothing wrong with the word Christian.
The problem is how lightly it is worn.
When everyone claims the label, the meaning becomes diluted. When discipleship is replaced with declaration, faith becomes shallow. When identity is assumed rather than surrendered, transformation stalls.
Jesus is not looking for people who wear His name.
He is looking for people who walk in His ways.
A Call Back to True Following
The question is no longer, “Do you call yourself a Christian?”
The better question is:
Are you actually following Jesus?
Not culturally.
Not casually.
Not selectively.
But fully.
Because in the end, Jesus did not say, “Well done, good and faithful Christian.”
He said:
“Follow me.”
And He still does.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 