“Am I A Christian?” is the title of the book I intend to publish shortly. We are all familiar with questions like “Are you a Christian?” or “Are you a born again Christian?” but this self-probing question may sound strange to many of you. As we seldom like to be questioned, such a self-examining inquiry tends to make us uneasy.

Twenty five years ago, I wrote and published a poem with the same title. It was my first ever publication. Stricken with chickenpox, I was lying bed at that time with nothing to do, but ample time to ponder. My thoughts somehow swept along the path to question my stand as a Christian. And out came the words of a poem that I titled, “Am I A Christian?”. I submitted the piece to a few Christian magazines, along with other poems of mine. I didn’t have any hope of hearing from any of the magazines when I enclosed my poems in yellow manila envelopes and mailed them to the publishers. After all, it was my first submission to any publication. But to my surprise, within three weeks, I received acceptance letters not from one publication but from two magazines, both wanting to publish the same poem “Am I A Christian?”. And my poem was published in both magazines a month apart.

Thrilled by my first publication, I took my poem along with me and did a reading at the next Fall Christian Writers Conference in Alberta, Canada. Although, it was a simple, light versed poem, it received much appreciation and ovation from the attendees in the auditorium. Even the guest speaker was kind enough to compliment me on my poem from the stage the next morning to make me beam with joy.

If a simple poem with a probing question could draw such attention, why not write a book on the subject with the same title? I thought about it, and started to write this book. Remember, the question is not “Am I a strong Christian?” or “Am I a perfect Christian?” But just a simple Am I a (mere) Christian? By definition, we know that a Christian is someone who has accepted Christ as his Savior and follows His teachings.

In Acts11:26, we learn that the term Christian was first coined in the city of Antioch. The name Christians meaning ‘little Christs” was given to the disciples of Christ by non-believers in the city because they saw Christ in their walks of life. Today, if we haven’t told anyone we are Christians, could anyone in our neighborhood, workplace or grocery store recognize us as Christians because they see Christ in us from our attitudes, interests or interactions?

So, we Christians have lived happily with the assurance of having the ticket to go to heaven and join the hallelujah chorus up there. Taken that assurance for granted, we have given less or no time for Christ to intervene in our matters. No doubt, we attend church regularly, tithe faithfully and take active part in church and Bible studies. We serve in various ministries and even send our kids on missionary trips to far away countries. What more do we need to do to prove that we are Christians? we may ask.

Let’s find out what Jesus tells about that in Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’” We would have applauded them for the amazing works they had done. But, listen to what our Lord told them in response. “Then I will tell plainly, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Oh, no! Why did Jesus say that to those gifted Christians? After all, driving out demons and performing such healing miracles are beyond anyone’s ability. Only the super spiritual Christians, the anointed pastors and Christian leaders could prophesy and perform miraculous healings like that to everyone’s amazement. If Jesus could claim that He never knew them, can you imagine the plight of yours and mine? Where will we stand before Christ? How can we become worthy of our identity as Christians as the early disciples in Antioch?

As Christians, we all struggle in our Christian walk. The Lord doesn’t call us to be perfect, but to follow His steps. That is what His disciples did and were given the name Christians., My book “Am I A Christian?” is a simple guide to help us grow in Christlikeness. Isn’t that the ultimate goal of every Christian? To become Christlike? Though I may not qualify to offer constructive instruction as a Bible scholar or a church leader to guide you,I thought of sharing through this book, what I had learned in my times of fear, anxiety, doubt, rejection, self-righteousness or loss with the hope of helping fellow believers to strive and grow in their faith walk. Keeping our focus on Christ and following His footsteps would surely lead us to become Christlike. Isn’t that the ultimate goal of any Christian?

Sadly, these days, we tend to forget about this goal and try to run after fame, power and prosperity and end up stressed and exhausted.. Living the Christian life is not going to be easy. The good news is that we are not abandoned to manage on our own strength. The Lord had promised not to leave us or fail us. He had equipped us with His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us through all the way. It is us, who have become too busy for Him these days. Carving a quiet and quality time with God has become the last in our priority list.

Compiled of 30 inspiring chapters with headings varying from Being His Witnesses, to Seasons of Doubt, Concept of God to Delighting in the Lord, this 225 paged paperback book was written to inspire any Christian, young or mature to desire, grow and mature in a steadfast faith in this fast paced age. Along with you, let me too will be blessed to shine and share Christ’s love and grace around the world and bring heaven on earth as our Lord prayed in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13.)