In a world full of people who consider themselves Christians, outsiders wonder what sets Christians apart from everyone else. The hope for Christians is that others will see the differences in behavior and attitudes. If not, you might wonder how Christian that person is. In contrast, seeing Christians exemplifying Christian qualities provides a strong example of Christian living. From an examination of consummate Christians such as William Wilberforce, St. Augustine, and Mother Teresa, one can see the qualities that good Christians possess. Specifically, the core characteristics of Christianity are acceptance of Christ, a marked change in behavior and attitude, standing up for what is right, putting others first, and, to a large extent, imitating Christ in daily life. The most important factor in becoming a Christian is accepting Christ. First, a Christian must take responsibility for a life of sin and ask God for forgiveness and welcome Christ into his life. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Wilberforce said, “All men must be regenerated by the grace of God before they are fit to be inhabitants of heaven, before they possess that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Metaxas, 221). St. Augustine considered his transformation a “conversion and regeneration” through the baptism of God (Augustine, 158). Mother Teresa “gave herself to Christ and, through Him, to her neighbor (Muggeridge, 16). From this starting point, the Christian grows further in his faith by growing in the knowledge of Christ. In Him, says Wilberforce, “whom to know I... middle of paper... Christian. It takes the admission of sin, followed by the acceptance of Christ. Conversion leads to transformation of behavior and perspectives. Likewise, changes in attitude elicit belief. Standing up for what is morally correct often brings others to the forefront. It is the sum of all these qualities that ultimately makes a Christian. Although many claim to be Christians, it is the proverbial “walking the walk” that makes a person a true Christian. Works Cited Augustine and Henry Chadwick. Confessions. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2008. Print.Metaxas, Eric. Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery. New York, NY: HarperOne, 2008. Print.Muggeridge, Malcolm. Something beautiful for God: Mother Teresa of Calcutta. New York: Harper & Row, 1986. Print. New American Standard Bible. Anaheim: Foundation, 1997. Print.