“Some outward signs of a Christian are: one’s difference of opinion about what is best, one’s change to a clean and holy life, and leaving behind their bad habits and to acquire other good habits, which befit their new life in Christ.”  

- St Nikodemos of Mt Athos, Made For Union, pg 77.  Reflection: 

A sign of a Christian is not perfection, but someone who makes genuine efforts to grow closer to and in likeness of Christ. 

It is a life of repentance, of inner transformation and giving our hearts to God. It is getting up after we fall and turning back to God, reclaiming the promises of our Baptism.

St Paul reminds us, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work.”(1)

St Nikodemos reminds us that one outward sign of a Christian is in one’s efforts to grow, St Paul reminds us to help one another when we fail.

So when we see another person fail to be Christ-like, let us love that neighbor and bear their burden, restoring them in a gentle manner. For we know the only perfect one is Christ Himself, whereas we, the members of the Church, are trying our best to ‘leave our old habits and acquire new good ones’.

This humble, gentle, patient love - Christ shows us, is who we are called to be, and is Who the world so desperately needs.

Resources:
1) Galatians 6