You may be Christian and not know it

I believe the definition of "Christian" has been defined so specifically over the ages that people have unknowingly eliminated what true Christianity means.

The crusades for instance. Completely unchristian but the history books accept it as Christian. But why is it not? Conversion by force is not Christian. I don't care how you cook it.

Jesus told us that the Law(Mosaic Law and thus the new covenant) hangs on the fact that we "love our neighbor as ourselves". We also know that Jesus taught of a "Way" of living.

Why was this "Way" so different? It was because it was contrary to the system of living that was going on in Jesus day. This "Way" was living to lift your fellow man up and not take advantage. This is the very heart of the Christian "Way". Jesus of course being our ultimate example of this.

Can a person act in a Christian fashion and not know Jesus? Yes indeed. If what they are practicing is in the spirit of "loving your neighbor" unselfishly, then yes that would qualify as Christian.

It doesn't take conversion. It takes a state of mind that will allow us to give of ourselves to another individual to see them do better.

A friend of mine was concerned that this whole "servitude, servant" thing means others will be making decisions for you. No. Actually if you seek to help someone, you actually are being proactive in assistance and not reactive which is the current mode of events for most of the developed world. "A reluctant servant is a waste. But an enthusiastic servant, a blessing."

We are heading into an unprecedented change of circumstances for the whole world. The four horseman of the bible are beginning to ride and it is about due time for some prophesies to be fulfilled. We will need to know of the better "way" to deal with one another on this planet to not repeat our past mistakes. This "way" is described in the bible.

Since the bible is seen as a "holy book", a lot of peoples eyes start to glaze over and think they are being converted. Expand your point of view for a second. You can see practical application of events and responses that really show us a better way to interact with each other on this planet in the bible. It just so happens that it is inspired of God. When you use it and it works, it will confirm in your heart that it is the "Word of God". Don't take my word or anyone else's word for it. Discover it for yourself.

To sum up. Christianity is much bigger than people think it is. It can be in the simple gesture of helping an old lady across the street. Or heading up a racial equality movement. Developing a workers union for better conditions. Helping the girls in your neighborhood deal with teen pregnancy. Bringing attention to inequalities in our justice system for a specific set of individuals. There are many examples across many cultures across many lands where people give of themselves to help others. This is how universal Christianity is.

Some may not have known Jesus. But Jesus knows them.