Thursday, May 20, 2021

Is There Enough Evidence To Convict You Of Being A Christian

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16

As a born again Believers, we have the “light of God” – the Holy Spirit in us. That light and His transforming power should be evident to everyone we meet.  Not only by what we say or don’t say, but by what we do and don’t do.  Jesus charged the disciples – which includes us – to let our light shine in the world.  We are to be witnesses so that God will be glorified and Jesus lifted up.  Jesus said (John 13:35) “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  Years ago we sang a song at fellowships – “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love”.  I think there are two main reasons why there is a lack of light in a Christian’s life.

First. Many Christians are not pursuing their faith and they are still spiritual infants and are indistinguishable from those who are still lost in the world.

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.” – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3  

2 Corinthians 5:17 says “old things are passing away and all things are becoming new”  That transformation is true for the heart that is devoted to God.  But Spiritual transformation does not happen when your heart remains devoted to the things of this world.  Instead, your growth is stunted – your light is hidden – your witness non-existent. 

Second.  Many Christian are afraid of being rejected by the culture they live in – afraid of the social and/or financial loss they might incur if they let their light shine and make what they believe to be Truth – Biblical Truth – known.  Jesus told the disciples …

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of Me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” – Matthew 10:34-39

We have a “herd” instinct.  We want to be around other people.  We want to be accepted by those people.  For Christians – that can mean that they must not make their beliefs evident – they must be a silent witness – go along to get along – even when what is acceptable to the “herd” is clearly contrary to the declaration of God.  The only way to overcome that compromise is by having a strong faith – a heart for God.

I am not sharing these admonitions to try to throw a “guilt trip” on you.  Instead, I want to encourage you to understand and acknowledge the very real challenges of living the Christian life in a fallen world that is contrary to your new nature and life – how we are to live.  Dr. Francis Schaeffer wrote a book some years back “How Should We Then Live” which addresses this very thing.  How should Christians live in the context of the world around them.  I don’t want you think, after reading this, that you will just have to try harder.  On the contrary. My hope is simply that you will understand the need for all of us to “faith” harder.  Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and Joshua 1:8-10. 

Believe it – walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

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