Who Are We in Christ? Raksha Bandhan & Christianity

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8/28/20263 min read

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

Lately, it has been difficult to understand why some Christians (people who call themselves followers of Christ) are participating in Hindu religious festivals and traditions.

And Raksha Bandhan raises an important question.

Before we talk about Rakhi, festivals, or traditions, let's start there.

Who are you in Christ?

If you are a follower of Jesus, the Bible says: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

You are a new creation.

So here is the question:

If we are made new in Christ, should the way we live look different from the world around us?

Absolutely.

Is Rakhi just a thread?

Not really.

In Hindu tradition, Raksha means protection and Bandhan means bond. The rakhi represents a bond between siblings and a promise of protection, and the festival carries religious and spiritual significance for many who observe it.

So stop for a moment and ask yourself:

If this practice has religious meaning outside of Christianity, why am I participating in it as a follower of Christ?

Not because your family expects it.

Not because your friends are doing it.

Not because you don't want to appear different.

But because you genuinely believe it honors Jesus.

Who Is Your Protector?

This is where it becomes even more important.

Raksha Bandhan centers around a promise of protection.

But who do you trust for your ultimate protection?

A brother?

A sister?

A thread?

A ritual?

Or Jesus Christ?

The Bible says: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” Psalm 28:7

Our ultimate Savior and Protector is Jesus.

We don't need a religious symbol to give us what Christ has already given us.

We don't need another spiritual bond.

Jesus is enough.

“But I'm Still in the World…”

Yes.

We live in the world.

We work here.

We have families here.

We have friends from different backgrounds.

We respect people from different religions.

But Jesus said: “You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” John 15:19

We are in the world, but not of the world.

And that's where being a Christian becomes challenging.

Because sometimes being the light means being different from the crowd.

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14

How can we lead someone toward the Light if we are constantly blending into the darkness?

A Question for Every Christian

Imagine someone asks:

“Why don't you celebrate Rakhi?”

What if instead of feeling embarrassed, we saw it as an opportunity?

You could simply say:

“I love my family, but my faith is in Jesus. I choose to follow Christ in every area of my life.”

That's not disrespect.

That's conviction.

You can love your brother.

You can love your sister.

You can give them a gift.

You can pray for them.

You can celebrate your relationship.

Without participating in a religious ritual that conflicts with your faith.

So… Are We Lukewarm?

This is the uncomfortable question.

Are we following Jesus or simply adding Jesus to our existing lifestyle?

Are we Christians only in name?

Are we afraid to stand apart?

Are we more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing God?

Jesus warned:

“Because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16

Following Christ isn't about being half-Christian and half-worldly.

It's about surrender.

It's about transformation.

It's about knowing who you belong to.

Think About It

Before you participate in any religious tradition, ask yourself:

Does this point me toward Christ?

Does this agree with God's Word?

Am I doing this out of conviction or simply because everyone else does it?

And most importantly:

Who am I in Christ?

A new creation.

Not called to conform.

Not called to be lukewarm.

Not called to hide our faith.

Called to be the light.

Jesus is our Savior.

Jesus is our Protector.

Jesus is our Freedom.

And there is no one like Jesus.

🙏 Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me wisdom and courage to honor You above tradition and people-pleasing. Help me love my family without compromising my faith. Renew my mind and keep me faithful to Your Word. You are my protector, my freedom, and my Savior. Amen.