A proper definition for infidel is one who does not believe in a certain line of religious thinking. In Christianity, we think of this as a person without “faith” in the Christ and his death on the cross.
However, for a moment, let’s look at how the word has changed with continued usage. Infidel (or non-believer) has come to include the deist, one who believes in a “prime mover” but little else; the atheist, one who does not believe in any god; the sceptic, one who needs proof for there to be a god; and the agnostic, one who does not care if there is a god.
These are all people who, for one reason or another, have chosen to ignore the truth of the Bible. Something has gotten in the way of belief in the Father and his message to his creation.
Perhaps “infidel” should also include those things that cause us to lose our faith in Christ. Let’s see what the Word says about the carnal behaviors that drive us from him.
Colossians 3:5 is our first verse that we will look at today.
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Paul put it in pretty bold language in this passage. That which offends our walk with him is to be completely destroyed.
1 Peter 2:11 tells us that our walk is an ongoing activity.
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
Our fight is not a single battle but rather an ongoing war.
Galatians 5:19-21 lists many of the things that will come against us.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
We should paste these to our refrigerators and write them on our hearts, for the world sees many of these as attributes to parade before others.
1 Corinthians 6:13 reminds us why God created us.
“ ‘Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food’—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
When we remember that we are God’s property, we will find it easier to respect what is not ours.
Proverbs 20:1 speaks to the wisdom of abstinence.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Wine is not evil, but the lack of self-control it imbues us with brings disastrous repercussions.
2 Timothy 2:22 tells us our greatest challenges will come in our early years.
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
It is with the support of the elders in the church that our youth can remain faithful to the message of the cross.
Ephesians 5:18 provides us an alternative to that which so easily besets us.
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
When we let the Spirit fill us to overflowing, there will be no room for anything else.
If something causes us to lose our faith in Christ, it becomes an infidel to the cross, for what is not for Christ is against Christ, and it must be put to death for us to walk with him.
So, our cry must be, Death to the infidel! Death to those things that would come between us and our walk with Jesus. Then and only then will we walk side-by-side with him.
When we put aside all carnal behaviors, they become dead things to cast aside, lightening our load as we strive toward heaven.
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Originally Published 8-4-14 in Discipleship