“Christian.”  What does that mean?  Our Men of the Word group recently began a new study, and the first chapter of the book presented the idea of how the term “Christian” has been hijacked in today’s America.  And what the author discussed has stuck with me.  It’s also challenged me.  There are 2 or 3 possible culprits in the hijacking of this term.  One is religion that claims to be Christian yet teaches another gospel, one that is based on works or a mixture of works and faith.  And that false gospel is in no shape, fashion, or form Christian.  Another, and very obvious, culprit is the modern culture.  “Christian” has become a term of convenience that the user doesn’t truly understand.  The media turns “Christian” into the opposite of what it really is, and people fall for it.  Examples of the cultural convolution of “Christian” could go on and on.  However, it’s that third culprit that’s hijacked the term “Christian” that stares us in the face.  You see, this culprit is Christians themselves.  Yes, we are often guilty of not properly representing our family name.  We live in pride, thinking we are superior in our knowledge of the truth.  Or we are hypocritical in our lifestyle, human chameleons, so to speak.  Or perhaps we never reach out to those who need Christ because of our unwillingness to change or get our hands dirty.  As Ghandi famously stated, “I’d be a Christian if it were not for the Christians.”  I fear we are quick to condemn the false gospel or berate the liberal culture, yet we hesitate to look in the mirror.  The name “Christian” is taking a beating; let’s just make sure we are not the reason.  Now, if we stand for and live the truth in a Christ-like manner, and the name “Christian” is belittled, so be it.  In other words, let’s follow the simple lesson given in 1 John 2:6: “He that saith he abideth in Him [Christ] ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.”  “Christian”: let’s show the world what it truly means!