True Christianity is a lifestyle in Christ's likeness. It is a conscious commitment to being a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. It is a deliberate decision to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, one who lives a purposeful, joyful, and sacrificial life unto the LORD his God. It is a Christ-centred lifestyle yielding fruits that last to the glory of God.
Therefore, one can not purport to be a Christian yet delight in trending to gratify the old nature. Christ's likeness is not an investment in worldliness but becoming like Christ by being transformed into His likeness.
Apostle Paul boldly stated, "imitate me as I imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians .11:1). Is your Christianity worthy of emulating? Is your lifestyle exemplifying Christ's likeness? The indifference between modern-day Christianity and Christ's likeness is in essence living Christianity through the lenses of the fallen nature. The undeniable lifestyle of conformity to the worldly ways of life is the cancer that is rapidly spreading in our modern-day Church. The normalization of this disease is our current struggle and tragedy, to say the least. It is what the revelator refers to as having the reputation of being alive, though dead. "I know your works. You have a reputation of being alive though dead. Wake up, strengthen what remains and it's about to die, for I have found your works not complete in the sight of my God." (Revelation 3:1-2).
Jesus Christ envisioned a devoted Church dedicated to advancing his Kingdom and keeping the faith to the end. The church, referring to the individual believer as well, is expected to be the light of the world. This implies living a lifestyle of shining for Christ in this world full of darkness. While faith comes by hearing the word of God, it is sustained by consistency the same with the contextual application of the internalized Word of God. Timothy was taught to be a role model and progress in his walk of faith as a Christ follower. "Let no one despise you because of your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity... Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress." (1 Timothy 4:12, 15, NIV).
Therefore, Christianity is work, or rather practicing biblical faith in our day-to-day life.
Exhortation by Pastor David L. Malova