Chris'tian (kris'chen) n.

what is a christian? according to the new american webster handy college dictionary, a christian is "one who professes the religious principles of Jesus Christ." per the same reference, profess is to "declare openly." according to my bible, a christian is the "name given to followers of Christ." and to follow: "pursue." so to answer our first question, i would say a christian is in open, unashamed pursuit of Jesus Christ and His life and teachings.
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with this word defined, i would guess a large percentage who call themselves 'christian' are not, in fact, outwardly following Him. while this isn't the point i'm trying to make, this does deserve some clarification. i'm not saying catholics, non-denominationals, lutherans, baptists, methodists, etc. are not christian. on the contrary. all christian sects follow Christ. they simply disagree on how to do it. the problem with christianity is that, unlike other world religions, our God came down to us. He provided grace, or undeserved love and pardon. other religions are just the opposite. they're religions rather than a relationship. it's entirely up to the individual to earn "heaven", to get to God. with grace, there's nothing to earn. just follow. relationships are hard because there are several ways to be successful. religion is easy. obey the list of rules. check 'em off!
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now, you're still probably wondering what i meant when i said that the problem with christianity is that God came to us. as christians, grace is both our blessing and our curse. the blessing is obvious. we don't have to do anything to earn God's gifts. just follow. the curse is more subtle...
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there are certain things Jesus tells us we must do. the first half of the curse of grace comes when we, as mere humans, decide that these imperatives are necessary to reach heaven, earn God's love, etc. we forget that Christ's commands are less "do or die" rules than they are the wishes of a loving father. as a father, i have certain expectations which also bring rules and regulations to my children. as a loving father, even if the boundaries of my law are broken, i will not kick my children out of the house and my presence. grace: undeserved love. they don't deserve something good from me. they broke my rules. but i love them anyway. put yourself in God's shoes (at least try). He expects perfection and kicks a child out when they prove they're not... yeah right! He's not like that. know the child will fail, but continue to love!
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but we also use grace as an excuse to do what we want. this second half of the grace-curse is similar to when my children willfully break my commands. they know the rules, but choose not to follow. knowing that i will love them regardless doesn't excuse such wreckless behavior. there's no attempt to come under my direction, only selfish disobedience. this attitude must be broken in ourselves and in our children.
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so back to the sad reality of there being so many christian sects. rather than embrace grace as we should, christians have taken from God's word what they believe to be necessary to please Him. no forgiveness. just do or die. religion. again, God knows we'll fail just like you know your children will fail. and in a true loving relationship, God expects certain rules to be followed, but none are do-or-die... just like you with your children!
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so step into a catholic, non-denominational, lutheran, baptist, methodist, etc. church service, and you will hear of a loving God who sent Himself through His son, Jesus Christ, to die a horrible death to eradicate your evilness and provide for you undeserved love in its place. you'll also hear "do this", "do that", "don't do this", and "don't do that". but don't believe the latter part, or you've forgotten the former. obey the latter out of loving obedience to the former. it's not religion. it's a loving relationship.
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Jesus says, "come. follow me."
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just follow.