In a world full of people who consider themselves Christians, outsiders wonder what sets Christians apart from others. The hope of Christians is that others will see the differences in behaviors and attitudes. Otherwise, one might wonder how Christian this person is. Conversely, seeing Christians who exemplify Christian qualities provides a strong example of the Christian life. By examining accomplished Christians such as William Wilberforce, St. Augustine, and Mother Theresa, one can see the qualities that good Christians possess. More specifically, the fundamental characteristics of Christianity are acceptance of Christ, 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 acceptance of Christ. Above all, a Christian must take responsibility for a life of sin, 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 eternal life” (John 3:16). Wilberforce said, “All men must be regenerated by the grace of God before they are fit to inhabit heaven, before they possess that holiness without which no man will see the Lord” (Metaxas, 221). Saint Augustine considered his transformation as a “conversion and regeneration” through the baptism of God (Augustine, 158). Mother Theresa “gave herself to Christ and, through Him, to her neighbor (Muggeridge, 16). From this starting point, a Christian grows further in his faith as he grows in the knowledge of Christ. In Him, says Wilberforce, “whom do I know...... middle of paper ...... Christian. This requires confession of sin, followed by acceptance of Christ. Conversion leads to transformation of behavior and outlook. Likewise, changes in attitude breed conviction. Standing up for what is morally correct often brings others to the forefront. It is the sum of all these qualities that ultimately makes us a Christian. While 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.