Who are we?
That’s right. Just who are the people in the church today? Who are we, the people who walk in the door, raise our hands in supplication to the Father, and greet each other in heavenly love before heading to lunch?
Are we Christians? Seriously, that’s a valid question. Do we bear the mark of Christ in what we say and do?
From across the Word of God, the scriptures address this very question. Let’s look at five admonitions in the Word that help us clarify just who we are.
1 Timothy 2:9 tells us our Christ-like lifestyle isn’t in material things and a flashy lifestyle. This verse addresses women, but the principle applies to men, also… as well as pastors, Sunday school teachers, deacon’s children, and all the rest of us.
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.”
Psalm 127:3-5 speaks to men, telling us to guard our families as one of God’s greatest treasures. If we let our children fall into waywardness, where is our Christian witness?
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
Revelation 14:12 reflects the reality of Christendom. Sometimes it’s all about struggling with the obstacles in life and keeping our witness as we exit out the other side. To sum it up, it isn’t always going to be easy.
“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us we can never relax our guard. If we allow the devil an inch, he’ll take the proverbial mile. Our guardhouse must always be manned.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
James 2:26 is our wakeup call. Yes, salvation is a gift from God, but we can’t simply show up on Sunday and never give back to God. We need to teach a class, head a committee, be involved in the church and do things for Christ by doing things for the body of Christ.
“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
So, let’s step back and reevaluate ourselves. The next time we sit in church and let the choir and the pastor minister to us, let’s ask the hard question. Who are we, involved members who place emphasis on our families, righteous living, and church participation; or do we leave Jesus at the door once the service is over?
Jesus prepares us with the tools of the trade, and he expects us to put them to good use.
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