If you really want to be a good Christian, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

Being a good Christian is more than just attending church and reading the Bible, it’s about living a life that reflects Christ’s teachings.

Unfortunately, many of us often fall into certain behaviors that are not in line with these teachings. These habits, while they may seem harmless, can actually hinder our spiritual growth.

If you’re truly committed to being a good Christian, there are 8 behaviors you’ll need to say goodbye to. And let me reassure you, it’s not about judgement or feeling guilty. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, as Jesus intended.

In this article “If you really want to be a good Christian, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors”, I’ll be shedding light on these behaviors and offering practical ways to make positive changes.

1) Judging others

Becoming a good Christian involves embodying Christ’s teachings, and one key teaching is avoiding judgement.

We’re often quick to point out the faults in others, but it’s really not our place. Remember the biblical verse, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).

Passing judgement on others not only pushes them away, but it also distracts us from our own spiritual growth. It’s like focusing on the speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring the log in our own.

In reality, we are all flawed. We all sin. And the beauty of Christianity is that it teaches us to extend grace and forgiveness, just as we have received from Christ.

So, if you want to be a good Christian, start by saying goodbye to the habit of judging others. Instead, let’s focus on understanding, compassion and love – the very essence of Christ’s teachings.

2) Holding grudges

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith and it’s something I’ve personally had to grapple with.

A few years back, I found myself in a situation where a close friend betrayed my trust. The pain was deep and I felt justified in my anger. Holding onto that grudge seemed like the only option.

But as time passed, I realized that the bitterness was only poisoning me. It was taking up space in my heart that could be filled with love and joy.

That’s when I decided to let go. To forgive, not because they deserved it, but because I deserved peace. And in that process, I found a sense of freedom and lightness that was indescribable.

As Christians, we are taught to “forgive others as quickly as you expect God to forgive you” (Ephesians 4:32). So, if you really want to be a good Christian, work on letting go of grudges. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

3) Neglecting prayer

Prayer is a fundamental part of Christian life. It’s our direct line to God, a chance to express gratitude, seek guidance, and find comfort.

Interestingly, a Pew Research study found that 55% of Americans say they pray every day. Yet for many of us, prayer often gets sidelined in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

But prayer isn’t just an obligation; it’s an opportunity. It allows us to connect with God on a deeper level and tap into His wisdom and peace. The Bible even tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

So if you’re serious about being a good Christian, make prayer a non-negotiable part of your everyday routine. Start your day with it, end your day with it, and seize any moment in between to have a little chat with God.

4) Being unkind

Kindness is at the core of Christianity. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to treat others with compassion and respect.

Yet, in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to lose sight of this. We snap at our loved ones, we let impatience rule our actions, we withhold kindness from those who upset us.

But remember, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s what we are called to do as Christians.

So if you want to be a good Christian, make kindness your default mode. It will not only transform your relationships, but also bring you closer to God.

5) Ignoring those in need

In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus tells us that when we help those in need, it’s as if we are serving Him. Yet, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and overlook the needs of others.

We pass by the homeless person on the street without a second glance. We fail to reach out to a friend who’s hurting because we’re too busy. We ignore the pleas for help from charities because we think our small contribution won’t make a difference.

But every act of kindness matters. Every gesture of love makes a difference. And as Christians, we are called to be God’s hands and feet in this world.

So let’s open our hearts to those in need. Let’s reach out, give generously, love unconditionally. It’s not just about being a good Christian, it’s about being a good human. And trust me, the joy you’ll get from helping others is immeasurable compared to anything else.

6) Avoiding accountability

There was a time in my life where I made a mistake that hurt someone I cared about. Instead of owning up to it, I ran from the situation, hoping it would somehow fix itself. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

Accountability is tough. It’s admitting when we’re wrong, apologizing, and making amends. It’s taking responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

The Bible teaches us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). This isn’t just about seeking forgiveness from God, but also from those we’ve wronged.

So if you want to be a good Christian, embrace accountability. It might be uncomfortable, but it’s the pathway to growth, healing, and stronger relationships.

7) Neglecting self-care

Self-care is often misunderstood. It’s not just about spa days and indulging in treats. It’s about taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The Bible reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are given the responsibility to care for and respect them. This means eating healthy, getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and taking time to relax and recharge.

But it’s not just physical self-care that’s important. We also need to take care of our mental health by managing stress, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you want to serve others and live out your faith effectively, you need to take care of yourself first.

So if you’re striving to be a good Christian, don’t neglect self-care. It’s a vital part of living a balanced and fulfilling Christian life.

8) Living in fear

Fear is a natural human emotion, but it shouldn’t dictate our lives. As Christians, we are taught that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Living in constant fear and worry contradicts our faith in God’s sovereignty and goodness. It prevents us from fully embracing the peace and joy that comes from trusting in Him.

So if you want to grow as a Christian, say goodbye to living in fear. Instead, let faith guide your steps. Trust in God’s plan for your life and remember that He is always with you, even in the midst of challenges. Fear has no place where faith exists.

Final thoughts: Faith is a journey

Being a Christian isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. It’s about striving to be more like Christ every day, even when we stumble.

At the heart of it all is love – love for God, love for others, and love for ourselves. As the Bible tells us, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

So as you embark on your journey to say goodbye to these 8 behaviors, remember to give yourself grace. You’re not expected to change overnight. It’s a process.

And as you strive to grow spiritually, remember that God loves you right where you are. He’s not looking at your past mistakes or future fears. He’s looking at your heart.

May your journey be one of growth, grace, and unending love. For in the end, it’s not about the behaviors we let go of, but the love we hold onto.