Embarking on the journey to live as a Christian can be both inspiring and challenging. C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential Christian writers and thinkers of the 20th century, offers profound insights into what it means to follow Christ authentically. His writings provide guidance not just for understanding Christianity intellectually, but for embodying its principles in everyday life. This article explores how to be a Christian inspired by C.S. Lewis’s teachings, helping you deepen your faith and live out Christian virtues with sincerity and conviction.
Understanding the Heart of Christianity
For C.S. Lewis, Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs or rituals; it is a way of life rooted in love, humility, and obedience to God. To begin living as a Christian, one must first understand the core message of the Gospel: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came into the world to save humanity from sin. Lewis emphasizes that faith is not about superficial adherence but a genuine surrender to God's love and authority.
He famously wrote, “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” This highlights that genuine Christianity transforms the believer from within, fostering love and moral integrity as responses to God's grace.
Developing a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Lewis encourages believers to see Christianity as a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This involves daily communication through prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking His presence in life’s moments. Faith is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and trust.
He suggested that prayer is like opening a conversation with a close friend: honest, humble, and receptive. Regular Bible reading helps us understand Christ’s teachings and His example of love and sacrifice.
Bible Verse: John 15:5 — “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Lewis believed that abiding in Christ is essential to living a truly Christian life.
Practicing Humility and Repentance
One of Lewis’s key teachings is humility. Recognizing our limitations and need for God's grace is fundamental to being a Christian. Lewis states, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
He also stresses the importance of repentance—turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness. A humble heart is open to correction and willing to change, which aligns with Jesus’s call to be “born again” (John 3:3).
Regular self-examination and confession foster humility and help believers stay aligned with Christ’s teachings.
Living Out Christian Virtues
Lewis believed that Christianity should be evident in our actions. Virtues such as love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and humility are the fruits of genuine faith. To be a Christian is to embody these virtues daily, influencing how we interact with others and handle life's challenges.
- Love: Putting others first, as Jesus commanded to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39).
- Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment, following Jesus’s example on the cross (Luke 23:34).
- Humility: Serving others without seeking recognition (Mark 10:45).
He emphasized that these virtues are not optional but essential for Christian living, transforming both the believer and the community around them.
Engaging with the Community and Serving Others
C.S. Lewis understood that Christianity is inherently communal. Following Christ involves engaging with others, sharing the Gospel, and serving those in need. Authentic faith is active, not passive.
He encouraged believers to participate in acts of charity, evangelism, and service, reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways. This could mean volunteering at local charities, supporting missions, or simply showing kindness in everyday interactions.
Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 25:40 — “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” — underscores the importance of serving others as a expression of faith.
Exploring the Bible
Lewis believed that Scripture is the foundation for understanding and living out Christianity. To truly be a Christian, one must study the Bible diligently and let it shape their worldview.
For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) teaches compassion and active kindness, which Lewis saw as central virtues. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12) reveal the attitudes and character qualities that Jesus values in His followers, such as meekness, mercy, and purity of heart.
Lewis also pointed out that the Bible is a story of God’s love and redemption, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Engaging with Scripture regularly helps believers stay rooted in truth and inspired to live according to God's will.
In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Lewis’s own writings often reflect this deep engagement with biblical truths, encouraging believers to do the same.
Living with Hope and Perseverance
Lewis understood that the Christian life is a journey filled with challenges. Faith requires perseverance, especially during times of suffering or doubt. He encouraged believers to maintain hope, trusting in God's plan even when circumstances seem difficult.
He famously said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” This outlook helps Christians remain steadfast, knowing that their struggles are part of spiritual growth and preparation for eternal life.
Romans 8:18 reminds us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Lewis’s writings inspire believers to keep their eyes on the eternal, trusting in God's promises.
Conclusion
Becoming a Christian in the way C.S. Lewis described involves more than intellectual acceptance; it requires a heartfelt commitment to live out Christ’s teachings with humility, love, and perseverance. Lewis’s insights remind us that Christianity is a transformative journey—one that calls us to deepen our relationship with Jesus, embody His virtues, serve others, and remain hopeful amid life's trials. By studying Scripture, practicing prayer, and seeking to love others unconditionally, we can follow Lewis’s example and grow into authentic followers of Christ. Embracing these principles will lead to a life that reflects the true essence of Christianity—centered on love, grace, and eternal hope.
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Epistle Bliss is a faith-filled space exploring Christianity, God’s Word, the Divine, and the hope of Heaven. Created by a passionate team of believers, we share reflections, teachings, and uplifting insights designed to inspire deeper faith, encourage spiritual growth, and draw hearts closer to God.
