Definition of a Christian

Someone ask me an interesting question recently. How do you think a christian should be? How do you know if they are "genuine" ones?

Ray C Stedman in one of his sermons mentioned "A christian has once been defined as someone who is completely fearless, continously cheerful and constantly in trouble."

So how do one define a true christian? I think God is the only one who is qualified to pass judgement on this subject.

I guess usually the easiest way to identify a genuine christian is by the fruits he/she produces ie. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control (Gal 5:22). However, there are people who r non-christians who may also produce similar fruits in their loving acts to others...so how do we differentiate them from the christians then?

My personal point of view: Knowing and recognising that all kind loving acts we performed comes from God, and not from/by ourself. Because no human can ever claim to do a good deed and not feel at least a little smugness about the deed that we performed. Can we really claim that our action is truly 100% out of pure love for others? Totally no hidden agenda? Totally selfless? Not to make ourselves feel good? None at all? A christian's acts of kindness always should point towards Christ and never claim credit or glory for his/herself.

It is really never about us doing but always what God can do through us.