“Then departed Barnabus to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” - Acts 11:25-26
The simple definition of a Christian is: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.
I've have been wondering lately about real Christianity Just what it is and how many people who claim it, really have it? I am constantly amazed at what professing Christians will do. It seems that everybody today is demanding his or her rights, and all that is, is pride. When we trust Christ as our savior, we give up our rights for his glory. We can no longer demand, or expect special treatment. No longer can we be offended because of little things that don't go our way, because, in reality, we have no way, but the way of Christ.
It certainly is not easy, but we must follow Christ’s example, and we find His example laid out for us in 1 Peter 2:21-23 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” We must swallow our pride and put our sensitive feelings in an iron box with a double lock: if we don't, we will make a mockery of Christianity and bring reproach to the cause of Christ. There is no place in the Christian life for jealousy, envy, hatred, variance, emulations, gossip, backbiting, pride, hurt feelings, fighting, cussing, wrath, strife, heresies or contention at any time or for any reason. It can never be justified in the Christian life.
Now we all know that there are no perfect Christians, and I’m certainly not preaching “sinless perfection.” On the other hand, the Word of God tells us in Galatians 5:22-26, what characteristics of spirit we can expect to receive from the Holy Spirit who guides our steps in the Christian walk, and guides our hearts into all truth through the scriptures. Read carefully: “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” The word “temperance” means, “self restraint.” Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:15