I have written many times that stereotypes are always false because no two people in a group are alike. They may share a few characteristics, but each person is unique. God loves variety. You can see it throughout his creation. He gives us unique DNA and fingerprints. He gives us different environment and experiences and even different reactions to the same environment. Because of this, the Christian life about which I write will not be exactly the same as yours. I share my experiences and the experiences of other Christians, but I could not possibly cover the experiences of every child of God as we walk daily with Him.
What do all Christians have in common? We were all sinners who have been saved by the mercy and grace of God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have each experienced a spiritual rebirth and the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in us. We accept the Bible as the inspired word of God and understand its meaning for us with the help of the Holy Spirit. As a result, we begin to display to the world a family resemblance we now have with our heavenly Father. Paul calls those family traits fruit of the Spirit. They are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
What differences are found among Christians? Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents. God wants us to use those gifts and talents for His special purpose. So we each have a special mission that affects our Christian life as we walk down the path He has chosen especially for us, with the people He has placed in our life. Our relationship with God as his son or daughter does not produce sibling rivalry. God’s love is unlimited; we don’t have to compete for His attention. Although we are different, we are each special in His sight. Minor theological differences; age, race and culture may appear to divide us, but they are insignificant because of our unity of Spirit.
There are many people who claim the name of Christian, who have not experienced spiritual rebirth and do not display the fruit of the Spirit. They give a distorted view of the Christian life to non-believers and have even caused many Christians to call themselves “believers” instead. I tried that for a while, but I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to take on the name of Christ again and do my best to correct the misconceptions. I want the world to know who it is that I believe.
The Christian life is never boring. It is difficult at times, but is always worth it. I have never met a Christian who regrets their decision to accept Christ’s sacrifice in their place; then walk with God’s Spirit through this life, physical death and eternity.