Am I a “Christian?”

I'm cautious in calling myself "Christian". Unfortunately, there are people that associate that with people who hold signs that say "God hates homosexuals", or it reminds them of their hypocritical uncle who go to church on Sundays but lies and cheats.

And then there're also people that call themselves "Christians", but what they believe or do is nowhere near what the Bible teaches.

Since the word "Christ" is in the word "Christian", obviously being Christians has everything to do with Christ. I would define a Christian as a disciple/follower of Jesus Christ.

So what does that entail?

According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, "follow" can be to engage in as a calling or way of life, to be or act in accordance with and to accept as authority.

So to be a disciple/follower of Jesus Christ, I believe one has to:

1. Study His words/work to grow in knowledge of Him. (i.e. the Bible)
2. Grow a personal relationship with Him. (prayers, not only know God in your head as intellectual knowledge, but know Him in your heart as well)
3. Do what your Lord says, regardless of how you feel.

Of course the above points will need further dissection. The fun has just begun.