Being a Christian Instead of Talking About It

​Since the Christian religion was established, many have talked about being a Christian rather than living out their faith as a living epistle.  There is a major difference between talking about being a Christian and actually living as a Christian.  James 2:17-18 says, “So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).  But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works.  Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith.” (AMPC).  A talking Christian knows the keywords of the groups they fellowship with, while an actual Christian lives the Word of God in their actions and mouth.  A talking Christian believes God, Jesus, and certain aspects of God’s kingdom exist, while an actual Christian lives out their faith through action and word because of how real God is to them.  The talking Christian holds the same belief in God as children do about Santa Claus or the tooth fairy, while the faith of an actual Christian is willing to be martyred because they are convicted of the truth of God and their faith holds as fact their relationship with God.  Faith is defined as the conviction of the truth or a strongly convinced trust in God.  Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (KJV).  Applying the definition of faith to this verse, Christians cannot please God by merely believing He exists or by talking about their Christianity.  Christians must have the conviction of the truth of God and have a strongly convinced trust in Him by living what the Word of God says.  Without this type of faith, a person cannot please God, according to the Bible.  Some may say they have acted with their belief through social assistance of handing out clothes, food, or bottles of water.  This assistance is biblical and needed for many people.  As a biblical reminder, Stephen also helped those around him by feeding widows and helping people (Acts 6:1-7), but he was the first martyr recorded in the New Testament church for his faith and preaching of the Gospel (Acts 7:55-60).  Social acts may be a blessing, but sharing the Gospel with or without social acts is one of the best actions of faith one can commit.  Living by the Word of God should be understood by all Christians, but many people are taught that God exists to please them.  This is the opposite of biblical principles of people living for God.  Remember, Hebrews 11:6 says that Christians are to please God, not Him pleasing His people.   A person’s faith is in who or what they serve (Romans 6:16-18).  If a person serves their belief in God’s existence, they will live for God as someone prepares for Santa Claus decorating and setting out cookies but never expecting him to show up.  When a true Christian serves God through their faith, they prepare for the coming of Jesus by living holy, clean, and witnessing to those around them to allow them to escape Hell and make Heaven their home for eternity.  May every Christian examine themselves and see how their relationship with God measures to His standard.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.