We've all heard Christians speak of other Christians with powerful descriptors. Even when we attempt to take out the cliches, they sneak into our everyday conversations.
Here are some examples of what we may have heard:
"Yep, that one's a STRONG Christian."
"Whoa, that woman is so SPIRITUAL, a real soul winner!
"Did you hear that prayer? What a WARRIOR!"
"She really knows her Bible, a SEASONED believer."
"She's so MATURE, not like those baby Christians."
Sadly, there are less savory words that pin Christians into categorical corners almost with no chance of true grace from other believers. They're so defined by such beliefs that they're often shunned or even ostracized within the church.
Here are some examples of comments often heard when a Christian appears to be failing spiritually: "That CARNAL Christian really struggles with pride."
"What a BACKSLIDER, going to all those R-rated movies."
"What a sinner! That HYPER-GRACE needs to be confessed!"
"That's one DEMONIZED Christian!"
"That one's not walking in the Spirit; it's all FLESH."
We tend to inadvertently categorize believers by their stellar behavior (or lack thereof). It's an almost automatic condemnation without the One True Judge.
When meeting a Christian, for the first time, it's impossible to really know them as they come with no intro testimonial pamphlet. Said publication could include (but not limited to) their salvation story, theological leanings, church affiliation, Christian music likes/dislikes, or even a favorite "pop-star" preacher (via YouTube). These, of course, are superficial attributes that can't really get to the heart of a believer unless one proposes some sort of Biblical fellowship over time.
When we take a step back and carefully examine our own walk with the Lord, can we truthfully say we're SERIOUS about our relationship with God and living according to His will? What does that even look like?
First, what does the Bible say?
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24.
This verse illustrates that once a person is saved by grace through faith, there are characteristics of righteous behavior that follow in the sanctification process. It's not that anyone will perfect this journey of salvation. The Bible reminds us, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8. This verse is a reminder to repent for the sins we will eventually stumble into whether in thought, word, or deed.
Believers and unbelievers alike are quite prone to scrutinizing a Christian's "walk." They'll push forth all kinds of presuppositions about a multitude of behaviors, but are these folks all together wrong?
What does the Bible say?
God uses FRUIT as an indicator of a person's heart. "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Matthew 7:19. And later Jesus states, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit." Matthew 12:33.
So in application, a Christian should display certain attributes, called "gifts" from God, as seen in the Fruit of the Spirit.
It looks like this:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22.
Antithetical and apart from the Holy Spirit is the "flesh." For example, you may find a Christian unable to control his/her temper. You may also find a believer filled with copious amounts of anxiety that strangle any sign of God's peace. Another very troubling sign of "rotten fruit" is one who can never seem to display a godly love towards another - and the list goes on.
So, instead of a confrontation with a hammer in one hand and the Bible in another, how should a Christian encourage self-examination of the spiritual fruit of another? The arrow that gets straight to the heart is God's WORD and with faithful prayer in love and compassion.
The Bible says two things very clearly, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2. And, "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. One verse shows selfish motivations (and unanswered prayer) while the other reveals that God answers prayer when the heart is positioned clearly and sincerely towards Him.
In the Old Testament, King Saul yielded to extraordinarily selfish endeavors. Instead of seeking God's will as the prophet Samuel spoke His Word, he turned from God and sought counsel from the Witch of Endor! 1 Samuel 13:14. Consequentially, he became LOST and died on his sword by suicide. Before Saul became discontented, God's Spirit was with him. Sadly, things took a very tragic turn. "But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him." Samuel 16:14.
Saul's fruit had clearly turned from good to bad. His motives weren't in line with God's will. David, with a true heart for God, was then anointed king over Israel and was blessed with a lasting throne as the lineage to Jesus Christ was established - just as God promised!
Seek ACTION with your whole heart by His Holy Spirit and Word! "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2.
When a Christian gets serious, this means not only reading His Word but applying it to every aspect of life with the Holy Spirit's help. Pray about it and recall this truth, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." John 14:26.
Always remember, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.
God knows the serious heart.
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