The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.  1 John 2:6 HCSB

If you were participating in a telephone survey and were asked if you were a Christian, what would your response be? Do you claim to be a Christian? The definition of claim is to state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing any evidence or proof. When used as a noun, claim is defined as demanding or requesting something considered to be one’s due.

Pew Research Center conducted a telephone survey poll in 2019 which was published in October 2019. It showed that the number of Americans claiming to be Christians is declining and is now down to 65%, down 12 percentage points in the last decade. Those who claim to attend church a few times a year is at 54%, while those that claim to go once or twice a month is at 45%. Of the Millennials surveyed 22% claimed to go a few times a year and 22% claimed to go once or twice a month. Those describing their religions as Atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular” has jumped up to 26% from 17%. Do we wonder why the world is in such a mess?

If you do claim to be a Christian, do you proclaim it? Proclaim is defined as announcing officially or publicly, declaring something one considers important with due emphasis, declaring officially or publicly to be. Now proclaiming that we are Christians doesn’t mean that we are shouting it from the rooftops. If we are truly Christians, then we shouldn’t have to. Do those around you know that you are a Christian by your love (John 13:35)? Can they see a difference in the way you walk and talk from the non-Christians around them? We know that our actions truly speak louder than words, so do your actions scream to those around you that you are a Christian? Or would your friends and co-workers be shocked to find that you claim to be a Christian?

If you are claiming to be a Christian, then this is a good start. But Jesus said in Matthew 7:23, “On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name and do many miracles in Your name?’ Then I will announce to them, I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!” It’s not enough to speak it, you have to live it out.

Claiming to be Christian is just not enough, we must proclaim to be Christians through our speech and our actions. In doing so not only can we save ourselves from perishing, but we may also be able to save others around us. The bottom line is that people are going to look at us and see just another member of a messed up world or they are going to see a light, something in us that may be missing in their lives.

So, I ask you today, when others look at you what will they see? When they hear you speak, what will they hear? Will they see and hear someone who merely claims to be a Christian or will they see and hear your proclamation loud and clear?

We live in a world that seems to get worse with each passing day. As humans, we will either be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. I encourage you today to be a part of the solution. Don’t be afraid to boldly, publicly declare your Christianity.

Have a great day!