Faith & Freedom

This has been a question asked for centuries—across religions, belief systems, and by individuals searching for something greater than themselves. The word itself comes from the Greek Christianos (Χριστιανός), meaning “belonging to Christ” or “one associated with Christ,” derived from Christos (Χριστός), meaning “anointed one,” the Greek equivalent of “Messiah.”

Many people, in their search, come to the conclusion that “there is a God.” But what often gets lost in translation is how to follow and serve Him.

There are countless religions, each with different beliefs. Some say, “Follow the law and keep tradition, and you will have a covenant with God.” Others say, “Just try to be a good person,” focusing more on self-improvement than on God Himself. But Christianity—true Christianity—is different. It is not something earned; it is a gift. It is a relationship with God that shifts the focus away from our own desires and toward His.

This relationship is personal. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.” God created each person with purpose, with a calling, and with the gifts needed to fulfill it. Yet when we ignore Him and try to direct our own lives, we miss that purpose—and more than that, we grieve the One who created us.

What many belief systems miss is not structure or discipline, but love. Yes, God is to be worshiped—but worshiped out of love and admiration. Yes, He is to be obeyed—but obeyed out of love and reverence. He is not distant; He cares for us as a Father cares for His children. As one song puts it, “I’ve known You as a Father; I’ve known You as a Friend.”

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Hope—something so often lost. No matter how hard someone tries to be good or succeed on their own, hope can fail. Even Christians lose hope at times. But the difference is this: we have a source of hope that is stronger, wiser, and greater than we will ever be.

God is hope. God is strength. God is love.

So, what is a Christian? A Christian is someone who fully surrenders to this loving God, accepts the sacrifice Christ made on the cross as payment for our sins, and believes in His victory over death. It is one who recognizes God’s ultimate love and care for us—a love that only a perfect Father can give.