While we can never really know for sure
if someone is a Christian - only God knows the heart of a person - we can tell
if a person is truly following Christ or if they are just saying they are a
Christian. Many people who are about to
be married want to know this answer about their future spouse before they commit
their life to them.
Paul, addressing the church in
Colossae, gave an outline of the things he wanted the believers of that church
to do. They are an excellent guide to
what we must look for in a true follower of Christ.
Seeking God with
knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
Are they into the word of God on a regular basis, studying it on their
own? Do they go to church to
worship? Are they in a small group to
learn more?
Wanting to live a
life worthy of God, pleasing him.
Do they have a child-father relationship with God, desiring to please
Him and not other people?
Bearing fruit in
their ministry to others. Are they
evangelizing, teaching and spreading God's message of love and hope to the
world and people respond positively to them?
Receiving strength
from God. Is God's power sufficient for them or do they
seek worldly power to support themselves?
Living life with
endurance, patience and joy. Are they
convinced of God's will and timing?
Knowing they will
receive a godly inheritance. Are they
sure they will be in heaven because of what Christ did for them?
Accepting God's
salvation and forgiveness. Do they
know they are saved and forgiven by Christ's death on the cross or do they feel
they must do more to earn his forgiveness and love?
While no one perfectly lines up with
all seven of these, they are certainly good indicators that someone is a
follower of Christ.