8 signs you are genuinely following Christian teachings

There’s a significant difference between identifying as a Christian and actually living by Christian teachings.

The distinction boils down to authenticity. Identifying as a Christian can sometimes be more about saying the right things, rather than living the right way.

Genuinely following Christian teachings, however, is about more than just words. It’s about actions, attitudes, and making choices that reflect Christ’s teachings, even when it’s hard.

As someone trying to live a Christ-centered life, there are certain signs that show you’re genuinely walking the path. And I believe there are eight key indicators worth sharing.

Below is my take on “8 signs you are genuinely following Christian teachings”. I hope that it will inspire, challenge and affirm your spiritual journey.

1) Love your neighbor

One of the most significant indicators of genuinely following Christian teachings is the practice of loving your neighbor.

This concept isn’t just about being nice to the people who live next door to you. It’s a broader idea that encompasses everyone you interact with, from your colleagues at work to the strangers you pass on the street.

The idea of loving your neighbor comes straight from the Bible, specifically in the teachings of Jesus. He emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy, regardless of their circumstances or behaviors.

Living this teaching in your daily life may not always be easy, but it’s a clear sign that you’re genuinely trying to follow Christian teachings. It’s about seeing people through God’s eyes and treating them as you would like to be treated – with kindness, compassion, and respect.

So next time you’re faced with a difficult person or challenging situation, remember to love your neighbor as yourself. This simple act can make a world of difference in how you live out your faith.

2) Forgiveness

Another clear sign of genuinely following Christian teachings is the practice of forgiveness. This one hits really close to home for me.

I remember a time when a close friend of mine betrayed me. The details aren’t important, but it was the kind of betrayal that cuts deep, that shakes your trust in people. I was angry, hurt, and honestly, I wanted to cut this person out of my life.

But then I thought about the core Christian teachings I was trying to live by. One of the most powerful among them is forgiveness. Jesus forgave those who crucified him, and we’re taught to do the same, no matter how hard it might be.

So I chose to forgive my friend. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. But with prayer and time, I found the strength to let go of my anger and hurt. That experience taught me that forgiveness isn’t just about the other person – it’s also about freeing ourselves from the burden of carrying around bitterness and resentment.

So if you find yourself practicing forgiveness in your life, even when it’s tough, it’s a good sign that you’re genuinely following Christian teachings.

3) Stewardship

Living a Christ-centered life also involves being a good steward of the resources you have been blessed with. This includes your time, talents, and treasure.

The Bible makes numerous references to the importance of good stewardship. In fact, there are more verses in the Bible about money and possessions than there are about heaven and hell combined.

Being a good steward doesn’t mean hoarding your resources. It means using them wisely and generously to benefit others and further God’s kingdom.

Generously giving your time to serve others, using your talents to make a positive impact, and financially supporting your church or charities are all signs that you are practicing good stewardship. If you’re living this way, it’s a clear indication that you’re genuinely following Christian teachings.

4) Humility

Humility is another key sign of truly living a Christ-centered life. It’s about recognizing that we are not the center of the universe and that there is a higher power guiding our lives.

In the Bible, Jesus is often portrayed as a humble servant, washing the feet of his disciples and always putting others before himself. He never sought fame or recognition but served others quietly and humbly.

Practicing humility in daily life might look like listening more than you speak, admitting when you’re wrong, or stepping back to let others shine.

So if you find yourself striving to be humble, to serve rather than be served, it’s a good indication that you’re genuinely following Christian teachings.

5) Faith in adversity

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journey with faith, it’s that following Christian teachings doesn’t mean life will be free from challenges. In fact, it’s in the face of adversity where our faith is often truly tested.

When troubles come, it’s easy to question why, to feel lost or abandoned. But a true sign of genuinely following Christian teachings is clinging to your faith even when times are tough.

Remembering that God has a plan for you and trusting that He is with you every step of the way can provide a sense of peace amidst the storm. It’s not about understanding why things happen, but about trusting that God will carry you through.

So if you find your faith growing stronger in the face of adversity, not weaker, it’s a beautiful sign that you’re genuinely living by Christian teachings. This steadfast faith is an inspiration to others and a testament to your deep-rooted belief in God’s love and plan for your life.

6) Seeking God’s guidance

I’ve always been a planner. I like to know what’s happening next, to have a clear path laid out in front of me. But there have been times in my life when the path wasn’t clear, when I didn’t know what step to take next.

In those moments, I’ve learned the importance of seeking God’s guidance. It’s about understanding that we don’t have all the answers and that’s okay. It’s about quieting our own thoughts and worries and making space to listen for God’s voice.

Seeking God’s guidance might look like praying for wisdom, reading scriptures for insight, or seeking counsel from wise and trusted Christian mentors.

So if you find yourself regularly seeking God’s guidance, especially during uncertain times, it’s a strong indication that you’re genuinely following Christian teachings. It shows a deep level of trust in God’s plan for your life and a willingness to let Him lead the way.

7) Demonstrating patience

Patience, while often challenging, is a virtue that’s deeply rooted in Christian teachings. It’s about waiting for God’s timing, trusting His plan, and resisting the urge to rush things.

In the Bible, patience is often linked with faith and hope. It’s about enduring difficult circumstances, tolerating provocation without responding in anger, and keeping faith during periods of trial or delay.

Demonstrating patience in your daily life might look like waiting for God’s timing rather than forcing your own agenda, remaining calm under stress, or showing understanding to others even when it’s difficult.

So if you find yourself practicing patience, even when it’s hard, it’s a positive sign that you’re genuinely following Christian teachings. It shows an understanding that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own.

8) Living a life of service

Perhaps the most profound sign of genuinely following Christian teachings is living a life of service. Jesus himself said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Service isn’t just about big grand gestures or organized charity work. It’s about small acts of kindness, about seeing a need and meeting it, about putting others before yourself in your everyday life.

Living a life of service is arguably the most tangible way to demonstrate God’s love to others. It’s about showing compassion, bringing hope, and making a difference in the world around you.

If you find yourself regularly serving others, not out of obligation but out of genuine love and compassion, it’s a clear sign that you’re genuinely following Christian teachings. It’s the embodiment of Jesus’ teachings and the very essence of Christianity.

Final reflection: It’s a journey

The journey of following Christian teachings is a deeply personal one, often marked by growth, change, and self-discovery.

At the heart of this journey is the love of God, a love so profound that it inspires us to live in ways that reflect His teachings. This love is beautifully encapsulated in a well-known verse from the Bible, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The eight signs discussed here are not a checklist to be ticked off but markers on this journey. They represent the ongoing process of spiritual growth and transformation.

Living out these Christian teachings in your daily life can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s showing love to your neighbor, forgiving those who’ve hurt you, or serving others with kindness and compassion, each action helps you grow closer to God.

As you reflect on these signs in your own life, remember that this journey is not about being perfect but about striving each day to live in a way that honors God. It’s about becoming more Christ-like in our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.

In the end, genuinely following Christian teachings is about letting God’s love guide us on this extraordinary journey of faith.