I heard the following story and thought it would make a good illustration. I don't know if it's true or not, but I think you'll understand the point. The story is as follows. One of the generals of Alexander the Great had a soldier who was undisciplined and always causing trouble. The officers had tried many ways and for a long time to whip the unruly soldier into shape. On one occasion Alexander was examining his troops. The unruly soldier was pointed out to him and Alexander asked the soldier his name. The soldier responded, “my name is Alexander.” Alexander the Great exclaimed; “Soldier, either change your name or change your behavior.”

The point Alexander the Great was trying to make to the soldier was that his behavior was a reflection on his leader. We, as Christians, wear the name of Christ. Isn't it important for us to examine our behavior so that we don't bring shame upon our Lord?

The enemies of Christ are legion. They lie in wait to cast shame and aspersions upon His name. How tragic when unholy and inconsistent lives of Christians provide them with ammunition.

Christ said if we love one another, all will know that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35). When Christians do not love one another, Christ's enemies are able to point to Christ and say, “look, what good is Christianity if Christians themselves do not practice loving each other as Christ taught.” People in the world are looking for unconditional love and a sense of family and belonging. How unfortunate that, in many cases, they have not found it in the Lord's body. Does society not have enough social clubs that it needs more in the form of un-sanctified, unholy and unloving churches. * One calls himself a Christian and comes to 'church' once in a while to play at his religion. Of course, you know, every good citizen needs to be in the PTA, join a bowling league, play in a bridge club and, oh yes, go to church somewhere. What disgusting nonsense this type of thinking is. If this is all that Christianity consists of then it should be thrown upon the garbage heap of history.

To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is to take up one's cross and follow Him. It is to be crucified with Christ so that it is He that lives within us and not we ourselves. To be a Christian is to empty self of self and to be filled up with Christ who fills all in all. If one wants to be “religious” he should go find the “church of his choice.” He should find one that suits him, makes him happy and comfortable and one that will coddle him in his selfish pursuit of his own interests. * If one wants to be a Christian he should come to Christ on Christ's terms. There are already too many frauds and counterfeits in the church. We don't need any more. Change your behavior or change you name!