We’ve all heard the word Christian. Many of us wear it like a uniform, a badge of honor, or even a shield. We use it to identify ourselves, to signal what we believe in, and to draw a line between “us” and “them.” But what if that word, originally intended to describe a profound way of life, has become little more than a hollow shell? The term “Christian” started as a nickname, a jab thrown at early followers of Christ in Antioch. It meant “little Christ,” a way of teasing people for their sincere, often clumsy, efforts to mimic their leader. It was about an identity lived out, not just declared. It was about love, peace, and an unwavering commitment to a Savior. Somewhere along the way, that meaning got lost. The word shifted from an active identity to a passive label. It became tied to church buildings, political agendas, and cultural traditions. It turned into a tool to make empty promises, to protect egos, and to justify actions that are anything but Christ-like. It became a mask we wear to hide behind and a form of armor to deflect criticism.The power of the word has been diminished, its true value sacrificed on the altar of tradition and ritual. The love, peace, and profound message of salvation it once represented have been replaced by a system that often fails to reflect its founder. It’s time to ask ourselves: are we still striving to be “little Christs,” or are we just hiding behind a word that has lost its meaning? Perhaps the true test was never what we called ourselves, but how we acted. As Christ Himself said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35