The 7 Habits of People Who Actually Follow Jesus

Becoming the Kind of Christian the World Actually Needs

Image created by author using Dall-E

Growing up in the church, I was pretty much taught that a good Christian read the Bible every day, attended church every week, said grace before meals every time, and put money in the offering plate every Sunday. If you really wanted extra credit, you could go on a mission trip or join the worship team.

We had “being a good Christian” down to a checklist. Do the right things, avoid the wrong things, and you’re on the right track. It was a black-and-white faith that was easy to measure.

I remember one Sunday when I was about ten, sitting in church next to my friend, whispering and giggling during the sermon (as one does when you’re ten and the preacher has been talking for what feels like forever). My mom leaned over and gave me The Look — the kind that promised swift justice the second we got to the car after church. I immediately straightened up, grabbed a Bible from the pew, and opened it to a random page, nodding solemnly as if I were deeply meditating on the Word of God.

Did I understand what I was reading? Not a chance. But I figured God, my mom, and maybe even the pastor would see me with my Bible open and somehow be impressed.