What are the characteristics of a Christian?

The name “Christian” was first given

to the disciples. (Acts 11:26) So a Christian should also be a disciple. The
conditions for being a disciple are clearly written in Luke 14:26-27,33, “If anyone
comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children,
brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Our
relationship with our parents, marriage partner, children, possessions and our
future in this world must be according to what Christ teaches us. We must be
independent from them in our spirit, so that our relationship to them doesn’t
hinder us from doing what is right and pure in God’s eyes.
Characteristics of a Christian – a free man
It is a great misunderstanding to think that being a Christian is the same as being
a so-called “pardoned sinner”, implying that he is still bound to continue in sin. In
the verses below, we get a better understanding of what the will of God is for us,
with regard to sin.
Characteristics of a Christian – not merely a meeting-goer
Being a Christian does not mean you are a religious “meeting-goer,” someone
who goes to Christian meetings rather than to places of worldly entertainment,
but otherwise is just like other people. Not at all! A Christian is someone who
brings his life into complete harmony with the Word of God and His will. He is
righteous where others are unrighteous; he is patient where others are impatient,
diligent where others are lazy, and exact where others are inexact. He speaks the
truth boldly where others flatter, play the hypocrite, and lie. He is meek,
longsuffering, and quiet where others are hot-tempered and impetuous, etc. (1
Peter 1:15) All these are traits of a true Christian.
Characteristics of a Christian – unselfish
A trait of a true Christian is that he is completely unselfish. It means that he starts
thinking about the others’ needs, as God works it in his heart: what is good and
practical for them and what would benefit them. Then, then, according to his
ability, he helps them to obtain it. Christianity is synonymous with serving and
giving– giving of everything we have, both of spiritual and earthly goods. This is
the essence of love. (Romans 15:2,7)
Characteristics of a Christian – free from the spirit of the times
A Christian is somebody that is not being influenced by the spirit of the times. A
large number of people in the world are living in sin. They follow their passions
and desires and few think it is wrong. There is a spirit behind them, and this spirit
is called “the spirit of the times.” It is particularly difficult to resist this spirit. What
is commonly known as “fashion” is representative of this spirit.
An ungodly person can be likened to a lifeless marionette. Whenever one power
or another pulls the strings, he has to jump and dance, whether he wants to or
not. A Christian has Christ as his sole Lord and ruler. Then he does not obey other
powers; he does not obey the fashions or the spirit of the times, even if everyone
else does.
Characteristics of a Christian – being righteous
Being a Christian means that that person is righteous in all his affairs. Therefore if
he has stolen anything or committed some other act of unrighteousness, he will
make restitution as soon as he becomes a Christian. If he is in debt, he will make
every effort to pay it back. There is no way around it. In this respect it does not
help to appeal to the atonement. If he does not practice righteousness, he is not a
Christian at all, and he will not enter the kingdom of God. “Everyone who
practices righteousness is born of Him.” 1 John 2:29.
Characteristics of a Christian – A constant development
However, we cannot expect to have perfect victory right away, which is why we
read, “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only
but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2.