If you ask people what it means to be a good Christian, they’ll likely provide a list of qualities or behaviors. However, many of these ideas are somehow a misconception and a generalization. Doing these things doesn’t automatically make someone a ‘good’ Christian, nor does lacking them make someone less of a Christian. What truly matters is our intentions and our sincere relationship with God.
This list aims to clarify what it supposedly takes to be a good Christian. Here are 16 common misconceptions about what defines a good Christian:
They Always Go to Church
The idea that being a good Christian means showing up at church every Sunday doesn’t take into account the many reasons someone might miss a service – work, family, and health can sometimes get in the way. Anyhow, we can always pray anywhere, any time of the day if we really want to. What really matters is keeping a genuine connection with God, regardless of how often someone makes it to church.
Not A Sinner
The belief that good Christians don’t sin at all overlooks a fundamental truth: everyone slips up. It’s ironic to have this assumption for we are all born sinners. The true mark of a good Christian is not about never making mistakes but about owning them, asking for forgiveness, and striving to live a more faithful life despite imperfections.
They Always Pray
People often assume that a good Christian is always praying. In reality, prayer looks different for everyone. Some might have set routines, while others pray in the moment. What’s crucial is a heartfelt connection with God, not just how often or in what way someone prays.
They Are Always Nice
The idea that good Christians must always be nice can be misleading. Being kind doesn’t mean never expressing difficult feelings, suppressing emotions, or avoiding tough conversations. It’s about showing compassion and being true to oneself, even when things aren’t perfect.
Donates To The Church
Generosity goes beyond financial contributions. Many people think that donating money to the church is one of the things that defines being a good Christian. While the intention is good, generosity can also mean giving time, offering help, and living out Christian values in everyday life. It’s about the spirit of giving, but it’s not just limited to financial contributions.
They Do Not Question God and His Plans
Some people are adamant that questioning faith means you are not being a good follower because we are always meant to follow God and His plans. In reality, questioning and seeking answers can strengthen one’s faith. It’s okay to have doubts and look for deeper understanding; it’s all part of growing in faith.
Knows the Bible Very Well
Knowing the Bible well is great, but it’s not the whole picture of being a good Christian. What’s just as important is applying those teachings in everyday life. What’s the use of knowing the bible anyway if you cannot comprehend and embody what it truly says. It’s about living out the values and love from the Bible, not just memorizing passages.
They Are Always Happy and Positive
It’s a common assumption that good Christians must always be happy and positive as they are closer to God. However, we all know life is tough sometimes, and it’s normal to face struggles. What matters is how someone holds onto their faith and hope through the rough patches, and how we know when to seek guidance from God instead of just putting on a brave facade.
Agrees With Every Church Teaching
Being a good Christian means engaging with faith thoughtfully, even if it means having some disagreements. The idea that agreeing with every church teaching makes someone a good Christian doesn’t allow people for personal reflection and growth at all. It’s okay to question and discuss different views, especially if the church has questionable perceptions on some things.
Does Not Have Sinful Thoughts
It is very unrealistic of us to believe that good Christians never have sinful thoughts. Everyone experiences temptations and struggles with negative thoughts. Being a good Christian means managing these thoughts, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live according to God’s teachings, despite personal challenges.
Always Present in Bible Studies
Attending Bible studies regularly is a common practice and is great, but it’s not the only way to show commitment to Christianity. Many people grow in their faith through personal reading of the Bible, private prayer, or living out biblical teachings in their daily lives. True devotion involves a broader range of practices, not just consistent attendance at group studies.
Publicly Displays Their Faith
Making one’s faith visible through actions like wearing religious symbols or participating in public rituals does not fully define a good Christian. The essence of being a good Christian is shown through how one lives day-to-day—upholding Christian values in all aspects of life, whether or not it’s visible to others.
Dresses Accordingly
Dressing accordingly or decently as an indicator that they’re a good follower of God overlooks the fact that personal attire is a matter of individual choice. Faithfulness is not determined by how someone dresses but by how they live out their values and behave towards others. It’s the character and actions, rather than the harmless clothes, that reflect true Christian principles.
Strictly Following Religious Traditions
Strictly following traditional Christian practices, such as specific rituals or customs, doesn’t define a good Christian by itself. Although these traditions are important, they represent just one part of faith. What really counts is how these practices fit into a person’s overall life and how we embody the meaning of these traditions or events.
Being A Member of the Church
Let us not limit the definition of a good Christian to someone who is a church member or helps out at church. True Christianity is more than just going to church or doing church activities. It’s useless to be a church member without genuinely following God’s teachings and living up to them. Being a good Christian means serving with a sincere heart and living according to God’s teachings, not just holding a church role or attending services.
Participates in Mission Works
Many believe that participating in mission work is the key to being a good Christian. While it’s a meaningful way to help others, it’s not the only way to show your faith. Being a good Christian and a follower also means practicing kindness, honesty, and love in every encounter we have with different kinds of people, not just in volunteer work. It’s about living out your beliefs through everyday actions, not just through big mission projects.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.