“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ” Romans 12:1-2.
I will start by saying we cannot always determine if a person is saved simply by looking at them because we do not always see what is in their heart. However, we have been told to judge the fruits of those who declare themselves to be Christians. Matthew lays this out clearly in his gospel.
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-20.
These words are absolutely clear. Many times people are judged based on the way they look and the clothes they wear. I remember when I had an opportunity to talk with a biker who wore rough clothing, had long unshaped hair, and looked like someone many would fear. However, it turned out he was a Christian, and a member of a group of Christian bikers who shared their faith when an opportunity came. I first saw them as bad bikers, when actually they were Christians sharing the gospel with others.
However, a bigger issue arises when we see people who profess Christianity, but their actions do not support it. There is a vast difference between professing and living it out. Too many church goers simply attend church and believe this makes them a Christian. Here are some examples of what I am talking about.
- When I lived in a small town in the mountains of North Carolina, there were several professing Christians who told many extremely inappropriate stories to others at work, especially regarding women at a church they attended. They said they were Christians but saw no issue with dirty stories. “They professed to know God, but they denied him by their fruits.“
- Some professing Christian pastors here in the United States have confessed to their congregations that they have been and are still homosexual with no desire to change and have been celebrated for their courage and allowed to stay on as pastor. “They professed to know God, but they denied him by their fruits.“
- There are many that tout their Christianity but are radical advocates of abortions, which is simply the murdering of pre-born children. In fact, they are looking to increase the United States funding of abortion centers, both here and around the world. “They professed to know God, but they denied him by their fruits.“
- In many churches, the leadership teach a false gospel thinking this will bring more people into their church, causing many Christians to depart from the true faith. “They professed to know God, but they denied him by their fruits.“
- There are many professing Christians who cheat on their spouses, abuse their children, steal and even kill others. “They professed to know God, but they denied him by their fruits.“
- And there are many professing Christians who do not attend church, pray, read their bibles, etc. “They professed to know God, but they denied him by their fruits.“
What should be our response as Christians? First, it is not to compromise. God does not change; right will always be right, and wrong will always be wrong. Wrong will never become right and right will never become wrong. Christ lived this way while here on the Earth, and we should as well. Isaiah wrote the following regarding this.
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21.
Those of us who have truly given our lives to God and His Kingdom will desire to be like Christ. We will live the life as well as profess the life. We must never accept the idea of God’s will first, unless I do not agree or desire to. As I have said many times. As Christians, we must be all in or we are not in at all.
Second, we must stand firm against actions Christians do which are contrary to God’s word. And I will stress this must be done in love. Again, the focus must not be on the person but on the action. This is important because our desire must be for them to be open to the truth. If they support abortions, we must challenge them to observe what the scriptures say about this, essentially that it is the murder of an unborn child. If they tell dirty stories, approve or celebrate ungodly behavior, teach or push heretical theology or whatever , it is important to inform them their actions are wrong, giving clear reasons for why it is wrong and how they can make it right. Paul wrote,
“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” Galatians 6:1.
It is our duty as brothers and sisters in Christ to correct those who are wrong and pray for them that they will accept the truth and turn away from their sin. They may not realize what they are doing is wrong. There are bad teachings being presented in churches today that lead people astray. If we can turn them back, we have done a good thing. We must also be careful we do not fall into the same sin they did. We must always examine ourselves to ensure we stay true,
And lastly, we must be a light in the darkness that people will see and be drawn to. Our words and deeds must point to the gospel of Christ. It must show we are people of truth and love, peace and contentment, joy and fulfillment, strength and devotion to God. He can use a Godly life to bring conviction to the hearts of many people without us ever saying a word, our life being our witness.
Be First to Comment