Have you ever wondered if you’re the real thing or not? Are you a woman who slaps a “Christian” label on things when it’s convenient? Or are you the real deal, a true follower of Jesus?
Are we fake or for real?
When I pursue the same things the world pursues, I begin to experience counterfeit Christianity. I live a diluted version of a Christian life instead of the concentrated one. I prefer watered down Christianity because I can still go to church and be popular. Have you ever experienced this?
This slip into artificial living originates from diminished time with God, nominal devotion, pressures begin overriding priorities, and personal holiness is disregarded.
So how do we know if we are true followers of Jesus?
The book of 1 John shows us how we test ourselves.
1. "God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness," (1 John 1:5-6, New Living Translation);
2. "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness," (1 John 1:8-9 New Living Translation);
3. "If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him," (1 John 2:4-5 New Living Translation);
4. "If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble," (1 John 2:9-10 New Living Translation);
5. "Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is", (1 John 3:6 New Living Translation);
6. If we live in a way that is overly self-focused, have a craving for everything we see, and we have pride in our achievements and possessions, we are not living for God but for ourselves. These things are not from God (see 1 John 2:15-17).
Number 6 is difficult for me sometimes, how about you?
God has given us his Spirit as proof we live in Him and He in us (see 1 John 4:13). Do our lives reflect this? Does a radical gospel inside us produce these characteristics outside us?
Are we more dedicated to outward security or inward purity?
Challenge yourself by taking this personal inventory today. Our lives should reflect what and in whom we believe. Are we genuine gospel girls or counterfeit Christians?
I don't want to go through the motions of Christianity. I deeply desire to be a woman who diligantly seeks Christ.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a Christian family and in the church and have raised my children the same. Up until two years ago I would have said I was a strong Christian. But I have come to realize that I was just a Sunday morning Christian. I was not living the life of Christ outside of the church walls. Have a relationship with Christ is a daily, constant thing. I want to serve Him each moment of my day and be aware of Him always.
Thank you for this post.
What's interesting is as I read your #6, I was thinking...this one is a hard one for me. And then you said the same thing! We need to take inventory on regular basis to keep our hearts in check. Sometimes we can say all the right things but do our lives mirror our talk. That's what Jesus is concerned about. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI want to be more dedicated to inward purity than outward security. I want to live for Jesus even when no one is looking. May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing to Him.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a perfect reminder not just during this season, but all year long. Unfortunately, there are many "Christians" who live their faith only on Sundays, and like you say, pull it out when it's convenient. We constantly need to examine ourselves!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this!
Thank you so much for posting this, its the smack in the face I needed. I'm working on my walk, but seem to have fallen off the path lately. Thank you for visiting my blog and for the sweet comment! I'm excited to be your new follower!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your questions lately, this is another show stopper... "Are we more dedicated to outward security or inward purity?" It requires a quick heart check. I think we all must face the counterfeit Christian in the mirror at some point, it's part of the journey and what a blessing that He shows us ourselves and prompts to move in a new direction with Him at the wheel.
ReplyDeleteIt can be so easy to feel close to God and like the "real deal" after events at church or when you have had an amazing quiet time where God reveals Himself, but it's so hard when you are walking through those Spiritual deserts! It amazes me that life can be such a spiritual roller coaster. Thank you for sharing some ways for us to take our spiritual temperature. And I have to agree that #6 can be a real bear!
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