"Hardcore Christian"

A co-worker of mine was recently talking to one of his friends about me and in his story referred to me as "a really hardcore Christian." When he related the discussion to me using the same terminology, it got me thinking.

What is a "hardcore Christian"?

I think that in the way my friend used the expression, he was meaning to say, "this guy actually practices what he professes." I can be fairly sure of this translation due to the context in which he was talking about me. We had discussed movies and how there are certain films that I will not see because they fall short of meeting the definition of true art which glorifies God. He also mentioned how I go to church every Sunday, and more than that, he knows how very involved I am in the local body of believers. He knows that I can go to Happy Hour after work with him and the gang for a little while, throw back a few beers, but not get drunk out of loving obedience to the Lord. Moreso, I make a conscious effort not to be rude, proud, or overly judgmental; I'm not legalistic.

Yet he knows where I stand on religion and politics. By the strength of Christ within me, I do not fear talking about Him and His Word. I do not back down or concede in the midst of argument, but defend what I hold to be true with as much gentleness, respect, and knowledge that God's grace has granted me. Nor am I a "Bible-thumping, religious wierdo." I try to stay as down-to-earth as possible while continually remaining heavenly minded.

This is part of what it means to bear fruit. Those who come in contact with the true Christian should say, "Aren't you one of Jesus' disciples?"...or, "Hey, you're one of those hardcore Christians, aren't you?" Let us not be like the ashamed Peter who denied his Lord three times, but let us seek to be like the enboldened Peter on the Day of Pentecost who spoke mightily of the Lord before all the people:

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:36

And whether the name-calling is said with disdain or not, bear it with honor, dear fellow pilgrim. Wear the name of Christ as it were the beautiful robe of a King. After all, our filthy rags have been stripped away, and we have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10

So I guess that I don't mind being called a hardcore Christian after all. If a nonbeliever sees the evidence of true regeneration in my life, then may the Lord be praised and doors be opened for the enlargement of His Kingdom!

Post Scriptum:
Although I used myself as an example in this one instance, I am no way setting myself above anyone else; neither am I intending to exhibit pride for my life or deeds. Instead, let my life be a testament of God's grace alone and the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart. Without Christ I am nothing. SDG!