Do you ever feel like you are just going through the motions of being a Christian?
Being a Christian isn’t like wearing a winter coat, one minute we put it on because we’re cold, and then the next minute we take it off and store it away until harsh weather rolls in. Yet that’s how many of us act. We pull out our church clothes, our church faces and we act differently than we normally do the other six days a week.
But acting like a Christian is worlds away from what it really means to be a Christian. If we simply try to imitate Christ’s external behaviour—being kind, compassionate and merciful without strengthening our spiritual core—then we risk missing out on the very process that makes us Christlike. Often we end up acting like a Christian sometimes, but not truly being a Christian at all times.
There may be times when you find it difficult to reconcile God’s truth to your own opinion or worldview, God’s truth is eternal, it does not change, our understanding of the truth does change as we allow God to work in our hearts and minds.
These sessions are not about opinion, they are about learning truth, the truth contained in the Bible, together we are going to focus on how we apply God’s truth, black & white in a grey world. To set godly priorities, grow in Christian character and live according to God’s standards so that we are a living witness to others.
Matthew 23:34-40
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
How do we make the change from acting like a Christian to being a Christian?
We begin with our first true love, the Lord.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Matthew 22:37.
By refocusing our attention on the Lord, building an intimate relationship with Him and spending less time going through the motions of what we think a Christian should be, we are able to concentrate on His goals, plans and directions for our lives.
A small child, sitting in church asked his father, “Dad, what is a Christian?”
The father replied, “A Christian is a person who loves and obeys God. He loves his friends and neighbours, and even his enemies. He prays often, is kind, gentle, and holy, and is more interested in going to heaven than in all earthly riches. That, son, is a Christian!”
The boy looked puzzled and thought for a minute, then asked, “Have I ever seen one?”
“If we are going to be authentic and relevant, we must embrace truth and allow it to transform us at our very core.” John Bevere
“This generation is desperately searching for something authentic. People are always watching us. They are watching us to see if we are the real deal. Without a transformed heart we can never be the light that the world around us so desperately needs. Stop acting and start being!” Joyce Meyer
Stop acting like a Christian, just be one!
Many of us struggle with living each day as authentic followers of Christ.
We don’t understand why we seem to do okay for a week after hearing an inspirational message, but then fall back into old patterns of behaviour, promising wholeheartedly that we won’t shout at the kids again, be rude to our spouse, react in traffic and the list goes on. Often we find ourselves unable to sustain our resolve and we fail to control our actions (again!). As a result, we feel terrible about ourselves. There seems to be a never-ending cycle, many people give up trying or, worse still, give up on God altogether. That’s what happens when we try to live our lives from the outside in instead of from the inside out. The tension between our inner world and outer world cannot be sustained long-term and will have a detrimental effect on our life.
All too often we compartmentalise our life and divide it into segments, which is where the confusion begins. We become actors, taking on the role of who we think we are supposed to be depending on our audience or circumstances. For example at church we are supposed to be a Christian, so we act like one (some of us could win an Oscar for our performance). Around our Christian friends we are supposed to be a Christian so we act like one. At work, we try to act like a Christian because we are supposed to be one, but at work we don’t have to play the role too well because our co-workers are not quite as familiar with the Christian script.
When we go home, we act like our real selves, because we believe that our secret is safe with our family. Then the doorbell rings.
It’s amazing how quickly we can shift and play the part of the perfect life even if moments before our house was more like the perfect storm.
We move the couch to cover the stain on the carpet, we wipe the dust off the tv stand, we threaten the kids with lifelong grounding if they so much as look the wrong way.
As soon as our guests arrive, we are the instant model family. Many of us do the same thing with God. We can be on our way to church having a heavyweight battle of a row with our spouse, or the kids, and the moment we arrive at church, the “spirit of the visiting God” comes upon us. We smile at the people on the door, sing (with the same voice that we were just using in anger) and worship with holy hands raised. We play the role of perfect Christian for a couple of hours, we have a nice visit with God, then get back in the car and go back to acting like our real selves again.
Many Christians are actors in a drama not pilgrims on a journey.
We try to act like something we are supposed to be Instead of living a heart-transformed life, too many Christians are living a life of behaviour modification. This is not how god wants us to live. Jesus does not want us to simply act like Christians. He wants us to authentically be Christians. The only way for this to occur is by allowing Him to work on us from the inside out. God wants to have a personal relationship with us. He wants to be involved in every part of our lives. God is not satisfied with visitation rights for a couple of hours on a Sunday and Tuesday evening. God wants to be at the core of who we are and who we are becoming.
Just looking the part is not enough.
We can carry our bibles, wear WWJD bracelets, stick an icthus on our car, refrain from activities like smoking, drinking, swearing, go to church and sing in the choir. We can look the right way, we can dress the right way, we can act the right way but, if all of this does not stem from who we really are at our core then it is just a sham.
We are supposed to be transformed into the image of Jesus. If we do not respond and accept the transforming grace of God then we are just like the Pharisees Jesus describe in Matthew 23:27-28 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Jesus despises hypocrisy.
He wants authentic followers. For most Christian’s transformation does not happen overnight, it is something that we have to work at, struggle with, pray about and be willing to accept. Don’t be sidetracked looking for a quick-fix plan – be committed to strengthening your spiritual core so that you can be transformed into the image of Christ.
Don’t focus on doing Christianity – focus on being a Christian.
The heart of being a Christian
We need to stop acting like a Christian and just be one. The truth is if we are Christians then we should have a desire to be like Christ and truly behave like Christians not just act like one.
True Christianity comes from a heart devoted to a God who loves us and our willingness to serve the Lord. At the heart of real Christianity should be a desire to do that which God expects us to do, not out of duty but driven by love for our Saviour.
The Bible teaches that Christians should live and act in certain ways, but if the actions do not stem from a strong spiritual core, then all we are doing is acting the part and not living in the fullness of Jesus. Our external actions should naturally flow from an internal life lived for Jesus.
The key to becoming who we are in supposed to be in Christ is to spend time in His presence and allow ourselves to be conformed to His image.
Being Whole
Just as our physical core is responsible for every move our body makes, so our spiritual core is responsible for our every thought, emotion, reaction and decision. If God is not the core of our Christianity then all we have is a flawed Christianity wrapped up in fancy packaging.
We need to take the time to look inside and examine the condition of our core.
Often we build layers around our inner core to protect ourselves.
We cover ourselves with all kinds of packaging – all the Christian behaviours we are supposed to have.
We can become so good at hiding that we forget we have a real spiritual core.
We need to peel back the layers, real change needs to start from the inside out.
Have you ever evaluated the state of your spiritual core? Are you aware of the areas where you are strongest and weakest?
Are there situations where you tend to hide behind outward Christian actions or behaviours?
What situations do you find it natural to operate truly from your core?
What holds you back from trusting God and allow Him to completely transform your core?
The direction of our lives and the outworking of our destiny flows from our core.
We cannot act our way to the future, unless we are truly transformed into the image of Christ we have no future.
Lay hold of the purposes of God on your life to become who you need to be on the inside.
Being Christlike
If we simply try to imitate Christ’s external behaviour, being kind, compassionate and merciful without strengthening our spiritual core, then we risk missing out on the very process that makes us Christlike.
When you think about imitating Jesus, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Do you think about reproducing His actions or do you consider His motives and attitude?
What do the Gospels teach is about the motives of Jesus’ heart, soul and mind? Why did He perform all of those miracles anyway?
What does being a Christian really mean to you?
Based on the way you are currently living your Christian life today, do you think that becoming Christlike is your primary goal?
What Jesus did, He did with compassion. He loved people and that love underpinned everything Jesus did. His deeds were an extension of who He was at His core.
Being Christlike is not just about external actions like feeding the poor or helping the oppressed, it is also about the condition of our spiritual core and the motives of our heart.
We can all do the right things, but if we are not becoming like Christ from the inside out and allowing our actions to be driven from true compassion, then we are not being truly Christlike.
Being a Pilgrim
Essentially, we become actors in a drama rather than pilgrims on a journey. We try to act like something we are supposed to be.
Some of us live our life as if it were a dress rehearsal for another life in another time.
Jacques in Shakespeare’s MacBeth says, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.”
Have you ever found yourself acting like a Christian when you knew on the inside it was a different story?
If you truly believed that Jesus was within you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, would you change the way that you think or act in any area of your life?
Is the “you” that people see at church the same “you” that people know at home or at work?
1 Peter 2:11-12 “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
The truth is we are not actors pretending to be Christians in the drama of life – we are on a very real journey to Christlikeness and we cannot “perform” our way into becoming like Him.
The Christian journey is not about some far away destination; it is a journey that we work out in the details of our everyday life.
Every moment on our pilgrimage is an opportunity to become more like Jesus.
Being Generous
Strengthening our core is not just for our benefit, God has called us to love Him and to love others. We can focus so much on our own healing and renewing that we ignore others in the world around us. Being a Christian does not mean we join a private and exclusive club. Jesus calls us to be part of an inclusive community where we are to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.
What are some of the things that hinder you from focussing on others?
When you walk into a coffee shop like Starbucks, or McDonalds, do you see the person behind the counter as someone who is there to serve you, or do you see them as a real person, someone who needs to know the love of Jesus?
Is there someone in your life who needs to experience Jesus and yet you have avoided them? What can you do to reach out to that person?
Are you gracious and welcoming to new people you meet, or would someone be hesitant to approach you?
John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Being Relational
Jesus did not die so that we could have a religious belief system; He died so that we could have a life-giving relationship with our Heavenly Father. God paid such a great price for our salvation and freedom yet many of us are shackled by bondage to religion. God does not want us to relate to Him through tedious ritual or religious protocol, but to enter boldly into His presence full of expectation and joy.
How do you see God – angry, distant, aloof, or do you view Him as loving and caring?
How do you think your perception of God has impacted your relationship with Him?
Do you believe God is interested in every detail of your life, so much that you can trust Him with your deepest, most intimate thoughts, dream and fears? In what ways can you become open, vulnerable and intimate with God?
Is your time of private devotionals like an awkward or boring date, or are they intimate and full of life?
When you talk to God, can He get a word in edgewise?
Can you remember the last time you spontaneously prayed to God for no other reason than to tell Him you love Him?
Dare to open your relationship with God, dare to open both your heart and your life to the freedom that is available. God loves you and longs for a more intimate relationship with you.
Being Grateful
To keep our heart alive and vibrant, we need to maintain an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving. Often the longer we walk with god, the more familiar we become with Him and His Word and the less grateful we become.
Do you think you have become familiar with God or the things of God? In your own life, what signs can you identify that are evidence of this?
What practical steps can you take in your spiritual journey to ensure that familiarity does not breed contempt in your relationship with God?
Think of three things in your life that you can thank Him for now.
Being Content
God has given each of us many gifts and talents, yet often our human nature causes us to spend much of our time focusing on what we do not have or on what someone else has.
As Christians we need to learn to be content in the plan and purpose that God has for us, this does not mean we do not have ambition, but we do need to be realistic, God will not call you to be a worship leader if you can not sing or play an instrument.
Can you think of any areas of your life where you may be desiring something that God does not have planned for you?
Can you see how your gifts and abilities are connected to the dreams that God has placed in your heart?
Are there recurring things that take away your focus from Jesus and His plan for your life?
When we learn to embrace His plan for our lives we can experience a deep contentment.
We must keep our life focussed on Jesus and learn to be content.
Being Obedient
We need to remember that every small step of obedience has eternal ramifications.
Can you think of a time when you did not respond to the prompting of God? How did you feel when the opportunity passed you by?
Why do you think we find it difficult to obey God?
Imagine the opportunities you miss by not being obedient. Take some time to consider whether there is any area of your life where you have been running from God?
Being Loved
God delights in all of His children which means that God delights in you!
Do you really believe that God delights in you? Not in what you do or how much you accomplish, but in you? If not, why?
Are you too busy doing things for God to simply stop and bask in His presence, love and delight?
Being Transformed
We need to commit to allowing God’s healing and restoration work in our life. We need to be willing to commit to His plan and purpose.
Are there any recurring behaviour patterns you have been trying to address from the outside in?
What areas of your life are you not allowing God to transform?
Being Fruitful
A persons spiritual gifting does not define who that person is. The true determination is the fruit of a person’s life. Everyone of us is unique and special to God and He has given each of us gifts and talents. Daily we should desire to be changed into His likeness and produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
When you look at others, do you look at their gifts or their character?
Do you think that other people see any of the fruits of the Spirit in your life?
Resolve to focus on developing the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are the measures of our Christlikeness. Choose one of the fruits and think of an area in your life where this fruit may be lacking. How can you allow God to develop this particular fruit in that area?
Being Authentic
If the gifts of the Spirit on a person’s life are greater than the fruit of the Spirit in a person’s life, parts of that life will begin to crumble.
What are the primary gifts that you think God has given to you?
Are there areas in your life where there is an inconsistency between your inner and outer life?
Being Brainwashed!
If we want to change our life, we must change the way we think, it’s not being brain washed but some of do need to wash our mind with the Word of God!
Is there an area in your life where you need to “wash” your mind with the Word of God?
Are there any areas of your life where you have changed your behaviour but not the way you thought about your behaviour?
Is it easy to identify thoughts you have about yourself or others that are contrary to god’s thoughts?
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Being Intentional.
Thoughts are like a train; they always take us somewhere. If we resolve to keep getting on the right train of thought, we will always get off at the right destination. We think we react in a certain way because of the adversity we confront. The truth is that the challenges we encounter reveal who we really are.
Think of one challenge in your life right now. Where are your thoughts about it taking you? Are you heading for a train wreck?
Are there any “platforms” you need to stay away from to avoid heading in the wrong direction?
For the next 24 hours think about what you are thinking about – you may be shocked by what you discover. You have a choice – make the most of it!
Being Determined
It is during times of difficulty or trial that the true strength of our faith is revealed. What is in us will always flow out during these times.
Do you tend to let your circumstances dictate your thoughts, or does the Word of God determine how you think?
Do you keep a list of the promises from God’s Word that are specifically for you?
Think of a challenge you are currently facing. Pick up your bible and find a Scripture that speaks truth into your situation. When you are discouraged take strength from God’s truth.
Being Genuine
Loving God is only the beginning of being an authentic Christian.
Do you think it is possible to love God and not love other people?
Why is loving God the beginning and not the end of our Christianity if it is the “greatest commandment”?
If you neglect to do what Christ has called you to do are you being an authentic Christian?
Being The Church
A church loses its life and effectiveness at the point it stops being the church that God created her to be and starts going through the motions of doing church.
Do you ever feel like you are just “doing church”? If so, why?
Do you think the church exists only to meet your needs?
What are you contributing to our church? (Filling a seat on Sunday does not count as a valid answer!).
God never intended His church to be filled with empty ritual, boring and irrelevant teaching, uninspiring music or a lack of creativity. As the church of Jesus Christ we should be dynamic, vibrant, life-giving, a place of hope, healing and destiny. Be the church.
Being Salt
We are called to bring out the “God flavours” in our part of the world, we are responsible for the “taste” of God that we leave with others.
Do people get a good taste of Jesus when they encounter you? What kind of flavours do you bring out in the world?
Is the example you set as a Christian too salty, or not salty enough?
Being Light
When it comes to being a light in the world, we have a choice how brightly we shine.
Are you a candle, a light bulb, or a lighthouse?
Are there people in your world who are in darkness because you are not shining bright enough?
Who do you know that is a great example of being a light? Have you allowed that person to ignite change in your own life?
What practical steps can you take to increase the brightness of the light that shines from you?
Being Focussed
We know exactly what we are not supposed to be doing, but we often forget about what we should be doing.
What are the things you think a Christian should not do?
What are the things that Christians should do?
Do you focus more on what you are not doing, rather than what you should be doing? If so, why?
Being Different
We need to be in the world but not of the world.
Do you think of your neighbourhood / workplace / college / gym as your mission field?
Have there been times when you realised that you have been both in the world and of the world?
If a judge and jury were sent to your home, workplace or neighbourhood and put you on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Being Christian
We are to be part of a strong army of men and women that refuse to just act like Christians, we are to be determined to live and be an authentic Christian.
Being a true Christian requires us to make a daily choice and determination. It is something we can forever be improving on, learning from, sharing with others. It is a journey and an adventure.
Don’t just act like a Christian, be one!
