What Does a Christian Look Like (and Not Look Like)?

When people think about Christians, they often picture outward things - going to church, praying before meals, or carrying a Bible. But Scripture teaches us that being a Christian is not about appearance or ritual. It is about an inward transformation that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

To understand this, it helps to see both sides: what a Christian looks like and what a non-Christian looks like.

What a Christian Looks Like

1. A Christian is United to Christ - The Bible teaches that a Christian is someone who has trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9). This union with Christ transforms our identity: we are no longer defined by sin but by God’s grace (2 Corinthians 5:17).

2. A Christian Exhibits the Fruit of the Spirit - While Christians are not perfect, the Holy Spirit works in their lives to produce godly character. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are the outward evidence of inward transformation.

3. A Christian Loves Others as Christ Loved - Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). True faith is expressed in sacrificial love, humility, and service to others.

4. A Christian Obeys God’s Word - Faith is not merely intellectual assent; it results in obedience. James 1:22 reminds us to “be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” A Christian seeks to live according to God’s commands, not to earn salvation, but as a response of gratitude for God’s mercy.

5. A Christian Lives in Hope and Humility - Christians recognize their sinfulness, repent, and depend daily on God’s grace (1 John 1:9). Their hope is anchored in the finished work of Christ—His death, resurrection, and promised return (Romans 5:1–5; Titus 2:13). This hope shapes their perspective, producing peace in the midst of life’s trials.

A Christian is not defined by outward appearances, rituals, or social status. A Christian is someone united to Christ by faith, whose life bears fruit through the Holy Spirit, marked by love, obedience, humility, and hope. In every action and attitude, a true Christian points others to Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

What a Non-Christian Looks Like

The Bible is equally clear about those who are not in Christ:

1. Dead in Sin - Without Christ, people are “dead in…trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). This means they are spiritually separated from God, unable to save themselves.

2. Walking According to the World - Non-Christians live under the influence of sin and Satan (Ephesians 2:2). They may appear moral or religious, but their lives are not surrendered to Christ as Lord.

3. Bearing the Works of the Flesh - In contrast to the Spirit’s fruit, Galatians 5:19–21 describes the works of the flesh: sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, drunkenness, and more. These patterns reveal a life not ruled by the Spirit.

4. Without Saving Hope - Those outside Christ remain under God’s judgment (John 3:36). They may pursue peace in possessions, pleasure, or power, but apart from Jesus, there is no lasting hope or eternal life (John 14:6).

The Difference is Christ

The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is not external - clothes, culture, or rituals - but internal. A Christian is someone who has been rescued by Jesus, made alive by the Spirit, and transformed from the inside out.

So, what does a Christian look like? A life in Christ, bearing His likeness.And what does a non-Christian look like? A life apart from Christ, bearing the marks of sin.

The good news is that anyone can become a Christian by turning from sin and trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).