If I asked the question "what is a Christian", many of you would have different answers. I have encountered a lot of answers in my 35 years in the ministry. Some are positive and some are negative. I will share just a few of these from both sides.

Some say that Christians:
Live by the golden rule, live by the 10 commandments, join a church, get baptized, or try to live right.

Some say differently:
Christians are radicals, they are judgmental, they think they are better than anyone else, they are Bible Thumpers, they are Holy Rollers, etc.

Jesus taught the difference between Christians and non-Christians in what we refer to as the beatitudes in the Scriptures. Matt. 5 vs-1-12.

1. Christians worship different: vs 1-3) poor in spirit, those that mourn and those that are meek.

He realizes his spiritual weakness and helplessness---vs 3 (poor in spirit)
He acknowledges his sin--vs-4--(they that mourn)
He surrenders his life to Christ--vs-5---the meek "deny themselves'--as stated in our text verse.

The Non-Christian worships himself. Everything he does revolves around his own desires, wants and his little world is all that is of interest to him. He feels in control and tries to take control of every situation, if he can. He sees the world through his own eyes instead of seeing it through the eyes of Jesus.

He strives for self expression.
He strives for self confidence.
He strives for self Glory.
He strives to control everything and everyone.
He strives to prove to others how great he is.

I read a story one time where a project was assigned where a room was constructed and made to look like how a small dogs sees things, The tables were immense and the legs looked like pillars, the chairs were hugs and looked like large thrones and the ceilings were over 30 feet high. People were given tours through this room and were amazed at the vastness of the furnishings. They were then told why the room was built like it was . "They saw this room from a whole different perspective than they ever thought of before.

Christians worship different. They see things from Christ's perspective, not their own. Christians see things differently when Christ is their Savior.!!!!!!!

The Christian strives for self-denial--remember our text--"Deny himself".

2. A Christians Goal in Life is Different:------ vs-6--"a hunger for righteousness"
A life that is a blessing to God. One that is true, just, honest, and sincere.
His goal is to be right with God, live right with God and, die right with God.

The non-Christian Goals are these:
wealth, prestige, popularity, social status, possessions, degrees, and "look at mes"

The Christian is Different!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. The Christians Conduct is different:----vs-7-8--(pure in heart--peacemakers)
A non Christian's conduct is determined by their "self worship".
a, self worship--do anything that satisfies me
b.self worship--get what self wants at the expense of others.
c, self worship--has one standard for right or wrong--"what will this do for me"!!!!!!

A Christian is Different

His conduct stems from his relationship to Christ.
a. He acts different--(pure in heart)
b, He cares about others, not self---(merciful)
c. He cares about his influence on others and on God--(peacemakers)

The Christian is truly different from the Non-Christian
His influence is different, his attitude and actions are different, his motives are different, his rule of life is different.

Selfishness or selflessness are the 2 different traits and realms in which the Christian and non-Christian abide.

Does your life reflect the definition of a Christian or a non-Christian?

Oldbiker