19 Sep What is Different About You?

This post might sting a little, but I have been so convicted lately and I just had to share it with each of you. I am including lots of scripture to hopefully drive my point, so if you don’t like it, get mad at God, not at me!

I think most of my life, including now, I have looked just like the rest of the world. I call myself a Christian, and I am. A follower of Jesus, a believer, whatever you want to label it. However, I have been asking myself, what is different? What is different about me versus the rest of the world?

“If we claim that we share life with him, but keep walking in the realm of darkness, we’re fooling ourselves and not living the truth.” 1 John 1:6

Did you get that? Anyone can claim to walk with Jesus, but if that person keeps walking in the dark, then they are not living in truth. I told you at the beginning this post might sting, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!

“Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible.For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance —none of these things come from the Father but from the world.This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to  do the will of God live forever.” 1 John 2:15-16

You can’t love the Father and love the world; it’s either one or the other. The things of this world, the fleshy, earthy desires don’t come from Jesus so they can’t last. They won’t fill you up and they won’t sustain you. In fact, God tells you that you should choose to be either hot or cold.

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16 

Do you see how dangerous it is to be a lukewarm Christian? To mingle in the in between? The message translation of this verse literally says, “You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit.”

Titus 1:16 says, “they claim to know God, but by their actions they deny them.” Wow! Wow! Wow. I would say most people fall under this category right here. People claim to know him and they call themselves a Christian, but their actions have nothing to show for it.

So how do you know? How do you know if you look different? Well, if you have to ask, then that might be your answer. But here are some examples of being a lukewarm Christian. Trusting the opinions of man, rather than God (Psalm 118:8). Walking by the seen realm, instead of the unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18). Identifying more with this world, then with the Word (1 John 2:15-16). Never reading the Word which leads to not knowing truth (Matthew 4:4). Producing little to zero spiritual fruit (John 15). Speaking and doing contrary to the Word of God (Titus 1:16). Looking more like darkness than you do light (Matthew 5:14).

Do you choose fear quicker than you choose peace? Is your joy based on your circumstances? Do you fill yourself with toxic music and tv shows? Do you choose unbelief over faith? Do you crumble when you hear bad news? Do you act as a victim instead of a victor? The list could go on and on and on some more but the obvious question is, do you think you look different? Because honestly, I think we should all be able to answer that.

So a question I have been asking myself is, am I just lukewarm? Am I follower of Jesus when it’s convenient? What about my life looks like Christ or does any of it? If I were to answer honestly, I think most people would put a check mark in the box that I look like every other Christian out there. Stale. Stagnant. Identifying more with the world then with the Word. Ouch. Yuck!

And what about you? Does this bring conviction to you at all? I know this was a question not just for me but you too. What about you is different than the rest of the world? Would your friends, family members and co-workers separate you from the rest of the world? Would they know that you didn’t just call yourself a Christian but you were living as a true Christ follower too? There is a big difference between the label you get when you ask Jesus into your life and actually living out what it means to be like Christ.

Christians should be the healthiest, most victorious, peaceful, joyful and loving people on the planet. They should carry the most freedom. They should be secure in their identity. They should actually look, feel and act different than unbelievers. But do they? Do you?

PS. If you are going through infertility, please head over to join a faith-based support group I founded, Moms in the Making! We are having a conference October 12-13 and you are invited!

PPS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.

PPPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!

{Let’s Connect} Facebook • Instagram • Bloglovin • Pinterest • Google + • Twitter