STOP ACTING LIKE A CHRISTIAN!!

 



 

Introduction

A few days after I became a Christian, I started to act like one. I went out and bought the “Christian” Slogan T-shirts, the “Christian” albums, and books to help make me feel like a Christian. You will notice that I put the word ‘Christian’ in quotes in the last sentence. That’s because being a Christian is not about the shirts or the so-called religious music. None of it has anything to do with being a Christian and I’d highly recommend not buying any of it!

 

It's What’s on the Inside

What a lot of people don’t understand is that being a Christian is an interior change, not an exterior, and the majority of the country’s population who call themselves a Christian have a major exterior change and a minimal interior change. 

The T-shirts, the bumper stickers and all the rest are basically attention getters to say: “Look at me, I’m a Christian.” The problem is that the way they live their lives does not conform to the slogans; nor the bible.

In 2 Cor. 5:17 the apostle Paul writes, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. One chapter later, he tells us how to be different, Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

 

Where to Start?

When one’s sins are washed away, the slate; that is your life, is wiped clean and you get to begin again. Paul writes in Colossians 3:1-3, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Setting our mind on Christ every day will help us live our lives as true Christians. Avoid the works of the flesh as Paul described in Gal. 5:19-21. You can also strive to follow what is known as the ‘Christian Graces’ as written in 2 Peter 1:5-8, But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Be Content

A change in heart is the main focus of becoming a Christian. As Jesus states in Matt. 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

If what Jesus says is true, then why do those megachurch preachers tell people that they can live the best life that they’ve always wanted here on Earth? To have a fancy house, expensive cars, and a fat bank account does not make one a Christian. God provides for us, but it’s to live with contentment not excess. (Phil. 4:11)

 

Watch your Words

All too often, those who act like Christians will try to converse in ‘Godspeak’. What I mean by that is they will try to stuff as many ‘bible phrases’ in their sentences. For example, “We are so blessed that God blessed us with so many blessings.” Okay, maybe that’s a little overboard, but you get the general idea.

Your everyday speech is fine, but just remember what Jesus said in Mark 9:50, “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” Basically, when you speak, use your words carefully and make every word count. Don’t just throw your words around just to speak.

Paul said in Titus 2:1, But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. James said, So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty (James 2:12). And Jesus warned us in Matthew 12:36-37, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

 

Conclusion

These are just a few things that will help you in your walk with the Lord. If you’re not a true Christian, and are just acting like one, then you need to change. For further information on how you, too, can become a New Testament Christian, read this article; What Must I do to Be Saved?

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them in the comments section below and I’ll do my best to help you.

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