7 Characteristics of Modern Christians |
7 Characteristics of Modern Christians
Posted: 17 Jul 2018 09:07 PM PDT Today is my 67th birthday and this month is Bible Love Note’s 7th birthday, so please allow me to depart from my usual format. I’d like to share some of my observations after 40 years of Christian ministry, leading Bible studies, teaching Bible seminars, working with Christian women’s groups, doing overseas Christian work, editing devotions, writing a blog, doing ministry on social media, and being a wife, mother, and grandmother. 1. Christians aren’t the same, and it’s a good thing. It is my prayer that I will fully appreciate and enjoy how Jesus is honored in different cultures and different denominations. 2. Some Christians are growing and some are perpetual babies. It is my prayer that I will always be deliberate about my walk with the Lord, always seeking to know Christ better. 3. Christians view Scripture differently. There are many popular beliefs in Christian circles that are simply worldly philosophies repackaged using Christian words. They do serious damage to our walk with the Lord. The only remedy is a deeper respect for God’s Word and a commitment to check all teachings, no matter how popular, against the words of Scripture. It is my prayer that I will not be taken captive by human philosophies that contradict God’s Word (Colossians 2:8). 4. Christians don’t disagree the same. It is my prayer that I will hold my tongue unless I can share my views in love (Ephesians 4:14-15). 5. Christians don’t view culture the same. Culture tests Christians daily. Will we stand up for the “hard” parts of the Gospel or buckle under the pressure? The pressure comes not only from the world but also from compromised Christians. It is my prayer that I will stand firm so one day Jesus may say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). 6. Christians view Jesus differently. Misunderstandings about God’s character are the source of many false teachings. It is my prayer to genuinely know Christ even if involves hardship and persecution (Philippians 3:10). 7. Christians don’t have the same committment. Everyone loves the benefits of Christian faith – and there are many. But genuine believers also submit to the responsibilities and difficulties of faith (John 14:21). My prayer for this coming year is that my devotions will not only encourage others to love Jesus more fully, but they will also encourage me to love Him more fully. I feel incredibly blessed by my readers who give me the opportunity each weekday to share truths from God’s wonderful Word! Thank you! Gail |