You’re a Bad Christian If…
You are not kindly affectionate to one another (Rom. 12:10)
You do not edify one another (Rom. 14:19, 1 Thess. 5:11)
You do not pray for one another (Js. 5:16a)
You are not like minded (in harmony) with one another (Rom. 15:5)
You do not counsel or admonish one another (Rom. 15:14)
You do not have the same care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)
You do not (by love) serve one another (Gal. 5:13)
You are not kind to one another (Eph. 4:32a)
You do not forgive one another (Eph. 4:32b, Col. 3:13b)
You do not submit to one another (Eph 5:21)
You are not bearing with one another (Col. 3:13a)
You do not abound in love toward one another (1 Thess. 3:12, 4:9)
You do not comfort one another (1 Thess. 4:18)
You do not exhort one another (Heb. 3:13, 10:25)
You do not love one another with a pure heart (1 Pet. 1:22)
You do not show hospitality (without grumbling) to one another (1 Pet. 4:9)
You are not subject to your pastor (1 pet. 5:5)
If you are not actively engaged in these with the members of a visible body of Jesus Christ, you are not biblically obedient. Unless you are doing these things and they are active in your life, you are barren, incomplete, and at best half fulfilled!
These are examples that serve to illustrate how your spiritual condition can be affected by not doing things. This adds another perspective to the view that emphasizes what not to do in order to maintain a healthy spiritual state. Both are essential, and both are by grace alone. So, if you have recently been blessed by godly Christian fellowship (koinonia), then thank God right now for the deposit of grace in the life of those who bless you, as well as your own. And if you are lacking in your obedience to the above referenced verses, then ask God to reveal your deficient spirituality to you that it may drive you to repentance and embrace afresh the cross of Christ!
Lastly, to better understand what is required of you as a Christian, remove the word “not” from the sentences above, and change the title to: You’re a Good Christian If…
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” (Js. 2:14)
“…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (Js. 2:17)
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Tom Nance-Ulrich
I’m glad you changed this at the end. I would have rather seen “you are bieng a faithful Christ follower if …
I’d add 1 Cor 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not LOVE, I am nothing.
Grace, peace & mercy to you in our Lord Christ Jesus
Jul 22nd, 2008
Mario
Great post! What a contrast to those who think they are good Christians by what they don’t do, such as smoke, drink, go to the movies, dance, etc……..
God has indeed been faithful in the blessings He has bestowed upon my wife and I through Faith Community Church!
Jul 22nd, 2008
agogley
Great post. Also a good reminder for myself. I wish I could say that I do all those things all the time. Unfortunately, I fall short far more often than I care to say. But this post is great for reflection and prayer.
Jul 22nd, 2008
Mario
Tommy,
Good to hear from you! How have you been brother?
Jul 23rd, 2008
Denise
Ouch! I’m hurt. I find the word “bad” offensive. I find this “list” divisive and judgmental. Afterall, “God knows my heart”. My sincerity is what counts. I’ve been hurt in churches because of hypocritical Christians, so I stay home now where I can feel God more. I’m far more happy and at least I’m no hypocrit. Your post is exactly the reason I’m not in a formal & restrictive church. At least my peeps are authentic and real. Quit putting people in a box and expecting them to live by what the Bible says. We’re all on a journey, everyone’s at a different place. Where’s your love, man?
Jul 24th, 2008
Glen
Denise,
You were joking, right???
Jul 24th, 2008
Denise
Ok, did I scare you? LOL. Haven’t we all heard those responses by rebellious churchless people? I sure have, numerous times.
But God’s commands aren’t optional, and THAT can hurt the pride of our sin nature/flesh, can’t it? Especially when we really HAVE been burned in a local church. Believe me, I know.
Yet God is faithful, isn’t He? His grace really IS sufficient even when life is hard hard hard.
Being in a local church is a must. It is where we can most biblically and effectively live out our faith in ministering to each other in line with the verses Stephen posted. Without a local church, that won’t happen. God meant for Christians to be in fellowship with each other, not be in isolation from each other.
Pray for all of us “regulars” here, in regard to these commands. I’m sure we all struggle or have weaknesses in certain areas and could really use prayer to our Father on our behalf. The same grace that saved us is the same grace that sanctifies us.
2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Jul 24th, 2008
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