I am a Christian // What does that even mean?

March 24, 2016

Written by Meg

What does that even mean?

That’s the response i received a little while ago when during a discussion on different faiths, i told friends that I am a Christian.

It’s a good question don’t you think? The term “Christian” is full of deep meaning for me, but I am fully aware of how different the popular view of my faith is, compared to the reality.

The answer is actually really simple. It means that I love Jesus and that I let him be the driving force behind everything in my life. It means that I try to live the way God wants me to, and sometimes i’ll fail (a lot). It means that I know I’m far from perfect or good, and that it’s in my very nature to do wrong. But that God’s love for everyone is so big, that it covers my imperfections, and that I am forgiven.

It’s not about guilt and judgement. It’s not about thinking you’re better than anyone else. It’s not about perfection. It’s not about “being good”. It’s also not about being a weirdo (please don’t be a weirdo).

Love and forgiveness – for anyone who wants it. That’s it.

Why am i bringing this up now? Because though I say “I am a Christian” all the time, i know some of you (many?) may have no idea what i actually mean by that. And because this weekend is Easter – the most important holiday to me and my family, and Christians all over the world. I could post a tutorial for how to make Bunny ears or egg shaped pin cushions or something themed and Pinterest worthy – but honestly, that’s all so so far from what Easter actually means to me. I’m so excited about this weekend, and celebrating that God loved us despite our imperfections and sinful nature, and forgave us, so that we could be in a relationship with him.

Just incase anyone is interested, here are some churches I have attended and think are awesome, incase you would like to visit an Easter service:

Riverview (Perth, Western Australia) this is where we currently attend
C3 Hepburn Heights (Perth, Western Australia)
Chapel Springs (Bristow, Virginia)
Cedar Rapids Family Church (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Resound Church (Portland, Oregan)

About Author

Meg

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

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jennie

7 years ago

I hope your full have a good Easter.

jennie

7 years ago

Reply to jennie

Sorry I should have checked that message on my tiny phone screen full is family. I hope you and your family have a good Easter xx

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Meg

7 years ago

Reply to jennie

Jennie i swear my phone is always autocorrecting me to death as well! I hope you and your family have a lovely Easter too!

jennie

7 years ago

Reply to Meg

Lol its not good is it. Thank you x

Portia Lawrie

7 years ago

That’s it in a nutshell isn’t it?! I class myself as a Christian. I was raised a Catholic and though I distance myself now from organised religion and don’t attend church, (just not for me and my personal faith) I have retained an unshakeable belief in God. And the fact that he has a plan for me. That he knows my heart and that he follows me every second of every day. And that no matter what happens and whether I understand why or not, his hand is on the keel. So everything is exactly as it should be at any given time. And that is pretty amazing and gives me peace in my heart…even when life ain’t so peaceful, lol! Have a wonderful Easter and thanks for sharing :) Px

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Meg

7 years ago

Reply to Portia Lawrie

Beautifully said Portia! I am so grateful knowing he is in control, and everything that happens has it’s purpose – even if i can’t see it :) Hugs to you lovely lady! Have a beautiful blessed Easter! xoxo

abailey0674

7 years ago

I am glad you mentioned the fact that judgment is not a part of being christian. I grew up as a christian and found that it was all about judging everyone who was not a part of your close knit little congregation. I later had other similar experiences as an adult and no longer participate in organized religion. I do not think that judging others makes you a good person or a good “christian”. I would think being a good , kind and compassionate person would be a goal. I am glad you mentioned it. Its good for that to come from someone who considers them self a christian. Its important. I like the new pope because of this attitude. He’s a good guy. Its nice to see someone good like that in a powerful position. Have a happy easter and thanks again for that comment ?

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Meg

7 years ago

Reply to abailey0674

I completely understand where you’re coming from, (i’ve been at the receiving end of that myself) and couldn’t agree more :) Christians being judgemental is one of the saddest things, and completely opposite to the way Jesus taught us to be. At the end of the day who are we to judge?! We are just people like everyone else, we are not better or perfect. I grew up a Christian too and it took me until my late teens to fully comprehend the fact that I am not the one who is good, God is :) Sending you big hugs honey – thanks so much for being part of the discussion and for your thoughtful comment. xoxo

thetelltaletasha

7 years ago

*claps*
Happy Resurrection Day :-) I pray that you receive an even greater revelation of God’s sacrifice for us and that you continue to stand boldly humble in your faith

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Meg

7 years ago

Reply to thetelltaletasha

Thank you so much honey :) I pray that you too have a blessed Easter!

Tamara

7 years ago

I think people get confused that Christians can be Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican or whatever denomination of the congregation you worship at. They think these are different religions.

A fabulous explanation of our faith – something to be proud of and certainly not hide in the way we live it. St John’s Lutheran Church in Northbridge is where I worship when in Perth.

Speaking of Easter, we participated in a mini Easter quiz at my daughter’s boarding school the other day. It had a combination of eggy questions and biblical questions and I think some of the girls had the light come on in realising it once again coincides with other things such as the Northern hemisphere spring equinox and symbols of fertility (rabbit) etc. I personally loved the answer to the chicken or egg question. God! It is always God!

The Sewing CPA

7 years ago

I enjoyed reading your post! I agree that Easter is THE most important Christian holiday. Without the resurrection there is no Christianity. No matter which denomination one belongs to – we all believe that the tomb is empty because Christ conquered death for us. I wish you and your family a wonderful Easter.

Caroline

7 years ago

Thanks for sharing. I am a Christian and pray. I find that my faith gives me strength to deal with difficult circumstances in my life and it gives me hope in knowing that He is risen (I must watch the film ‘Risen’). Have a Blessed Easter!

Beckyjopdx

7 years ago

Ah, so refreshing. Thank you. I find here on West Coast US, it’s almost dangerous to admit one’s faith. We go to a Benedictine-based Catholic Church and love it. For us, faith is personal, meditative, contemplative, and based in love and humility. There’s no “sinner this and that” or Judgy McJudgersons in our parish. Hey, did you see the National Geographic issue on Jesus out this month? It’s more like a mini book, $14USD. SO GOOD. I’ve also been listening to the Logos Bible study on Audible. Such a great perspective on the bible, IMO. Highly recommend.
Again, thank you. I whole heartedly agree- Give it to God. May you and yours have all the renewed love and faith of Easter.

Kelly Tuttle

7 years ago

God bless you for your transparency- a lot of people won’t talk about their faith, because they are scared it will turn people off. Just from reading your blog, I have seen your faith come thru in your words and actions & in how much you love your family. And thanks for not doing cheesy Easter bunny stuff. My kids are little and still do the whole Easter bunny thing, but I really try not to play it up and remind them every year about the real reason we celebrate Easter.

Valerie

7 years ago

Thank you for your post. Christian means believing in Christ, who he was, what he preached and what he did. Believing, as you said in forgiveness and trying to live in grace as opposed to dis-grace! Happy Easter to you and your family.

Jane

7 years ago

Home from a wonderful Good Friday service and came across your blog. You summed it up very well. Thank God we haven’t yet lost the right to say who we are. Jesus told us to love everyone as he loved us and I find that a liberating way to live. May God bless you all with his love.

francescapia

7 years ago

Thank you for this post, Megan. And thank you for all for the great comments.

Judy O

7 years ago

Thank you for posting this.

brigidboyer

6 years ago

Amen! I hope you and your family had a blessed Easter. He is risen!

hemtohem

6 years ago

Thank you so much Megan for a wonderful explanation! I love that the first thing you say is that you love Jesus.

I think a lot of people confuse believing in God with being a Christian. The clue’s in the name, Jesus Christ.

It’s having the right relationship with God (a forgiven child and heir) through belief in His son and the sacrifice He made on our behalf.

Thank you for being bold about your faith in our Lord! I hope your Easter is joyous!

How interesting to read the comments. Some folk there whose blogs I follow!

Dara Harper

6 years ago

THANK YOU! Amen!

Courtney

6 years ago

So well said!!

Kimberly Bunyard

6 years ago

I am just returning, or attempting to return at least, to sewing and found your patterns and site just today.
You speak wonderfully in this post, and I thank you for your words.
~kimi

Vanessa Casad

6 years ago

This was such a wonderful summary of being a loving Christian. Thank you for sharing!

Elle Croft (@elle_croft)

6 years ago

I love this post! So simple, and true to what Easter really is all about. Thanks for not being a weirdo Christian ;-) – it’s so great when other bloggers are showing that it’s not about judgement or following rules.
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! x

hemtohem

6 years ago

Reply to Elle Croft (@elle_croft)

Amen to that!

I am a Christian // What does that even mean?

What does that even mean?

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