You Might Be …
Though not scripture as far as I have been able to tell; the phrase "be in the world, but not of the world" has been a personal approach and benefit in keeping focus on my relationship with Christ. Just something I keep floating around in the gray matter to help avoid running the risk of getting caught up in secular concerns as well as the confusing and contradictory world of religious rigidity and "church" matters.
Not to imply that we should shun everything that doesn’t have the "Christian" brand on it. Nor should we readily jump on the bandwagon of any and everything that does have a "Christian" label. That being the case, the "church" is often assumed to be operating on Spiritual guidance, Christian principles and values. We obviously know this not to be true. Sometimes the "church" is falsely accused of hypocrisy, attacked or ridiculed; then again the "church" often provides reason to be criticized. A few reasons for skepticism and doubt, hinge on the misconduct and outright malicious, self-serving ways of so called "Christians" and supposed spiritual leaders in the"church". Their conduct mars the name of Christianity, fortunately for us it’s not the title that we choose to be identified by that saves us from ourselves but rather Christ.
In the tradition of Jeff Foxxworthy’s "You might be a Redneck" routine; I’ve provided some indicators that you might be practicing religion in your "church" instead of practicing following Christ.
You might be practicing religion if:
- Your organization is spreading and selling their spin on Jesus. Matthew 28:16-20, 1st Corinthians 15, 2nd John 7
- Your Sunday Sermon is based on how convenient it is, or how it will profit something/someone other than God’s agenda. 2nd Corinthians 2:17
- Your new religion, organization or doctrine presents some new revelation to "What God really meant." 2nd Timothy 3:16
- Your name and the word "clique" are synonymous. Philippians 2: 19-22
- You know what it is to be elite, but not humble. Philippians 2:6-8
- Your Bible is littered with side-notes that say: "Not Applicable". Romans 6:1
- You are, or belong to a politically motivated, Christ neutered denomination. 2nd Timothy 2:3-7
- Your "church" organization requires a W-2 for membership.
- You’re idea of attending church is only for baptisms,weddings, funerals, and Christmas Candle light services. Revelation 3:16
- Christ is an afterthought to the business of your organization. Matthew 22:34-40
- You’re a self-professed mouth-piece for God. 2nd John 7
- You think that fruits of the Spirit is a new brand of underwear. Galations 5:22-25
- "To God be the glory" is foreign to you. James 3:9, Philippians 2: 19-22
- God is the final authority.. as long as it doesn’t conflict with what the pastor says. Romans 13:1
1st John2:15-17 (NIV)
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will ofGod lives forever.
“I’m not religious, just a Christian”
Very creative and thought-provoking. Thanks.
Christopher says:
Pistol Pete,
Thank you. Your post from yesterday () was the spark.
I believe it’s God just moving each of us as parts of the body of Christ to do his will, and to glorify His name. To Him be the glory and to you grace and peace.
I agree, this is creative and thought-provoking. It is important to be discerning; error creeps in so easily. Even in the New Testament, Paul was passionate about dividing truth from error, and I think it is important that we have the same mind today.
Christopher says:
Anna,
Thank you for visiting.
For those that do apply the Word on a regular basis, and are actually working to have a relationship with Christ these things are perhaps more evident. Unfortunately, there are many deceived brothers and sister that believe more so in the “church”, than in Jesus Christ. The term “lip service” comes to mind.
Others are just so locked into an image of a God painted by errant teachings, which makes them feel good versus acknowledging and submitting to the true God described in Scripture that convicts and chastise them of their errant ways, yet still loves them and desires their repentance.
Grace and peace be with you.
[...] Over the past few weeks, between church (not “church”) and visiting various blogs, the true meaning of the CHRISTmas holiday has been explained, discussed, dissected and reflected upon. [...]
This was a great post and made me lol a number of different times. I especially liked the part “your Bible is littered with side-notes that say: “Not Applicable.” Funny, but oh so true. Especially your comments to Anna. God’s people will perish for lack of knowledge and many are being deceived.
Keep writing and God’s blessing! ~Jen
Christopher says:
Jen,
Tell you what, I’ll keep writing as long as the Lord’s Spirit keeps pressing upon my heart to do so. Got Fruit? is all about God, and His will, so to Him be the Glory and the praise. I am pleased however in hearing that the Lord was able to use me in the capacity to call us all to reflect upon our personal relationship with Him.
Contrary to uptight, prim and proper types, I’m firmly convinced that God has a sense of humor, he has to in order to deal with His knucklehead children. Most importantly though, he has infinite love for us.
Hosea 4:6 is a verse that a dear friend of mine would often quote, I suppose God was using Him to plant a seed in my life, hopefully it will flourish.
Grace and peace be with you.
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