But it is a journey; and interestingly, it is a personal journey. The starting point, the speed of travel and the manner thereof, vary by the individual. What is common to us all are the path and the destination. Hence when we speak of Christian identity, we must realize that we shall meet ourselves at various points of maturity. However, we yet shall have one common denominator - we are all headed in one direction. Apostle Paul gave us a good idea of that direction that direction in his admonition in Hebrews 12: 1- 2:

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the .jay that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

So, a Christian is that person whose life travels in the direction of the throne of God. He or she is that person who, though not perfect yet, strives to partake of ultimate perfection in Paradise.

It has been said that the life of a congregation of Christians can be aptly be described by the caption; "Under Construction". None of us is quite finished yet. God is.still working on us. But then here comes the secret for discovering the true Christian. If a building is under construction, and all is well with the project, you would expect the work to progress, until finally it is completed as a beautiful edifice. The same should obtain for a true Christian. Even though he is not perfect, when you look at his life over time, He should manifest growth in Christ-likeness. That is the hallmark of a true Christian. Scripture says,

Mark 4:26-28 ...50 is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed intp the ground; Abd should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

Our Lord also says,

Mark 4:30-32 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becomefh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.