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Sometimes we need a dose of reality and truth. IMO this quote of G.K. Chesterton provides this......."Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried". It is much easier to say that you are a millionare than to say you are a Christian because the former can easily be proven to be true or not, whereas the latter is almost impossible to be proven as true. This is the source of irritation for 'non-Christians' to hear another declare that they are Christian. With even a rudimentary knowledge of the precepts of Christianity it can easily be demonstrated that one fails to adhere to the principles of Christianity. Can one demonstrate that they have obeyed the 2 great commandments of Christ? Who is excluded from 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God'?
The prayer of the publican is the most legitimate prayer in the Bible.......'Lord have mercy on me, a sinner'..........most of us fall into the category of the Pharisee who praised himself in comparison to others. We do not need a more open-minded Christianity........rather, we need Christianity. Period.
Technically, IMO, we should declare that we aspire to be Christian. That we believe in Christianity and accept the truth and wisdom that it reveals. But to say that 'I am a Christian' is tantamount to saying that 'I am fully enlightened'. It is actions that validate whom we declare to be.....not beliefs, memberships, etc. that we might have or possess.
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