"I'm not just a regular Christian because I always go to church and partake in Christian activities."
...and you think that's enough reason to tag you a Christian beyond the ordinary?
Please, before thinking you don't fall under the category of a regular Christian, I'd love you to read this article to the end with understanding.
In many nations of the world, especially my resident country, Nigeria, many families and individuals acknowledge and believes in Christ which makes them Christians in a literal sense. It may be because it's a "religion" passed down as a family heritage or an influence from family members.
It may be because of christain social influences and networks. It can be exposure to christianity through education or basically for selfish motives (what they can benefit from God). Not all Christians are TRULY Christians in its true context.
We indeed have regular Christians everywhere.
How do you identify them?
• They attend Church services frequently, participate in Christian activities, believes in the basic tenets of christianity but may not prioritize personal spiritual growth.
• They might struggle with consistency in prayer, bible study and evangelism.
• They may not actively seek to deepen their relationship with God or may be nonchalant about it.
You may be wondering in your heart... what then is the definition of a true christian?
A true christian is someone who doesn't just believe in Jesus but a person with a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ. True christianity is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and transformation, a commitment to follow Christ teaching and a reflection of God's love and character. It's a life of total surrender to Jesus.
You can scrutinize yourself to know if you fall under the category of a true christian or not.
In addition to the above definition, I want to bring to your notice a scripture that pinpointed the feature of a Christian beyond ordinary.
A young man approached Jesus with the intention to learn what GOOD he can do to have eternal life.
And Jesus said to the young man,
17]...if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandment.
18] "...thou shalt do no murder, thou shall not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness.
19] Honour thy father and thy mother and thou shalt love thou neighbor as thyself. "
That was enough to be a GOOD Christian but interestingly, the young man wanted more than just being a GOOD Christian.
20] " The young man saith unto him, all these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Verse 21 then unveils a key feature of a Christianity that's beyond the norm.
21] "Jesus said unto him, if thou will be PERFECT, go and sell that thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." (Matthew 19:20-21).
Jesus explicitly differentiated between the GOOD (regular) Christian and the PERFECT Christian. It's okay for the good Christian to just keep the commandments, attend services, and be ritualistic with it.
Nevertheless, this young man understood that there's still something lacking. There was no satisfaction or fulfilment in his "ritual" christian lifestyle. That was why he asked Jesus "what lack I yet?"
Just take a pause and think, don't you think your level of Christianity isn't enough? Don't you want to get to the more perfect level?
In verse 21, JESUS asked the young man to sell all he had and give to the poor and follow Jesus. That was what the young man needed to attain perfection in His Christian walk.
Don't be afraid! That scripture isn't just about selling all your possession and giving it all up before following Christ but it insuinates the life of SACRIFICE AND TOTAL SUBMISSION TO CHRIST.
To go beyond the norms in Christianity especially in this generation where sound biblical teaching is diluted, you have to understand that you must let go of many things on the altar of sacrifice:
• Emotional baggage. Resentment and bitterness, unforgiveness and grudges, Anger and frustration).
• Worldly attachments. Idolizing material possessions, addictions, excessive focus on leisure, secular values conflicting with biblical principles)
• Destructive relationships. Relationships that are toxic, abusive, hinders your spiritual growth or fosters sin and compromise.
• Selfishness. Pride, arrogance, self righteousness and judgementalism.
Setting yourself apart is crucial. Be ye separate as 2 Corinthians 6:17 puts it. That is how God can receive you.
Furthermore, putting your mind/affection on things above (in heaven) not just on earth makes you the perfect Christian because friendship with (loving) the world is enmity with God. But if your heart is always with Jesus, your major life's commitment will be to please Him.
Bible reveals further that the young man left sad because he had lots of possession. He couldn't pay that sacrifice. You know, making sacrifices is an indicator that there's no self in your dealing with God. (Take note that the instructions on what you have to let go/sacrifice may be specific to you. Your sacrifices aren't same with mine because God walks with us differently).
No wonder Jesus said if anyone must follow Him, he must first deny SELF. (Matthew 16:24).
SELF is the greatest enemy to a PERFECT Christian life. You can't make sacrifices and be entirely submissive to God's will and purposes if you're so full of yourself. You must deny self if you must be the perfect Christian.
Dearest, the Christian life isn't just about observing all or some religious activites, it's a life given wholly to Christ and His purposes and letting go all that stands in the way of that consecration.
Jesus is calling us to a more deeper and intimate relationship with Him in other to walk as perfect Christians and not by playing Church. This will not sound very favourable to everyone. And it should! This article is for Christians who wants to get serious with their Christian walk with Jesus. I sincerely hope you are part of them.
May the Lord engrace us to adhere to this call and follow suit. Amen.
God bless you for reading through.
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