I feel quite sure that what I am about to say is going to ruffle some feathers, make some waves, rub some the wrong way, upset the apple cart – well, you get the picture, right? What I’m trying to say is that there are going to be those who adamantly disagree with the gist of this blog. It is an alarm of sorts, warning of the dangerous path our present cultural state in the United States is leading. And please be clear: this alarm is for each of us, and all of us, but particularly for those who identify themselves as disciples of Jesus Christ.

So, having said that, let me ask what might seem at first reading to be somewhat of a non-sensical question: Are you an American Christian, or are you a Christian American? Some might say that this is nothing more than a play on words, but I suggest that it is not. I suggest that there is a stark difference between the two. Let me explain.

The emphasis of these two terms is seen when you consider which word is the noun, and which is the adjective. Remember from your study of English, a noun is a person, place or thing, while an adjective is a descriptive word giving further explanation to the noun. So, when you look at the phrase, “American Christian,” the noun is Christian, and the descriptive adjective is American. However, when consideration is given to the other phrase, “Christian American”, the noun is American and the descriptive adjective is Christian.

Now, let’s look a little more closely at the difference. First, let’s focus on the phrase, “Christian American.” The noun is “American.” Usually, the word “American” would be used as an adjective, as in the sentence, “Steve is an American.” Steve is the noun, the subject of the sentence, and American is an adjective, describing Steve. So, when giving consideration to the phrase, “Christian American,” American is the noun, and Christian is the descriptive adjective.

Let’s think about the phrase, “American Christian.” In this phrase, Christian is the noun, and American is the descriptive adjective. So the emphasis of this phrase is on the adjective – American.

Some of you are thinking that this is just an absurd example of me being a word smith. However, please read on and hopefully I will be able to give a clear distinction between the two. First, what does it mean to be a Christian American? It would mean, in its simplest form, that the person is characterized, first and foremost, as a Christian, a disciple of Jesus Christ. It would mean that his/her life bears testimony to the reality of their relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Their commitment to Jesus would be clearly evidenced by their behavior, their conduct, their actions, their words, etc. They would be living testaments of Christian character. Their outlook on life would be determined by the teachings of Scripture rather than on cultural and societal beliefs and standards that seem to change every time the wind blows. They would be committed followers of the teachings of Jesus, and would live lives that would focus on bringing Him glory.

Conversely, those who might be described as American Christians could easily be swayed by those ever-changing winds of culture. They would very easily be persuaded to embrace a different belief system and behavior pattern that would go along with whatever is now being accepted by the culture in which they live. Thus, they are living a sub-standard Christian life because they are focused on the world and the things the world and embracing worldly standards in opposition to the clear teachings of Scripture. Therefore, their behavior, conduct, actions, words, etc. would be living testaments to American character, rather than Biblical character. Their outlook on life would be determined by the whims of society and culture rather than on the teachings of Scripture.

Is this really important? Does it really matter if my life is characterized as being an American Christian? If the answer to that is yes, then you are in danger of embracing beliefs and behaviors that are in alignment with the world, and your Christian testimony will be tarnished by a worldly system that gives little regard to the teachings of the Bible.

However, if your life is characterized as being a Christian American, then you will be known as one whose life bears testimony to an intimate, and growing, relationship with the Lord because you live your life based on the teachings of Scripture. And when the world and the Bible collide, you side with the Bible, regardless of the cost you have to pay to do that.

I encourage each one to take a serious assessment of their lifestyle, their conduct, their behavior, their attitudes and actions, and pray that the Holy Spirit would try us and prove us, so that we might see any area of compromise which needs to be addressed through confession and repentance. Let’s all strive to be Christian Americans, letting the light of His glory to shine through us.

Blessings!