Are You Sure You're a Christian?
Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, says "some people claim to be Christians, but they're still involved in drinking or drugs or sexual immorality or lying or stealing. If you live that way continually, it's doubtful you're a Christian."
Those are pretty harsh words, but I wholeheartedly agree with the pastor. Perhaps you are backsliding because you're overwhelmed by troubles and feel abandoned by God. If that's the case, it's imperative that you heed the words of our Lord Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah): "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33, NIV).
Don't let troubles and heartache weaken your faith and drive you to indulge in all manner of wickedness, for that will drive you far away from the Lord. It's important to remember what the great Christian theologian Oswald Chambers had to say in this regard: "God does not give us overcoming life - He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength."
The apostle Paul tells us that "among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Ephesians 5: 3-5, NIV).
Perhaps a prayer of rededication is in order:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for always keeping your promises and assuring me that in You, I too can overcome the world. Thank you for delivering me from my burdens and giving me rest. Thank you for shedding your precious blood on the cross for me. Thank you for being the Way, and the Truth and the Life. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Perhaps you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? I fervently pray that you will; a good place to start your journey is here.
Peace be with you.
Published by Hartley Engel
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada but raised in Los Angeles, California. I have a BA and MsEd degree from USC. View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentI have known people who struggled with these weaknesses, yet they were at heart just as Christian as anyone else. Its not a persons weakness that defines us, its their turning to God for help. As human beings we all will fall at some point in our lives, but Christ is always there to pick us up and help us through our weaknesses.
I would just want to add something I think a lot of people forget about being Christian:
If you give in to feelings of hate and intolerance about people of different race, economic status, sexual orientation, etc., are you sure you are Christian? Thank you for bringing this up.
I think it is something we all have to continually work at. Believing isn't enough. BEING is much harder.
To answer your question: Yes, I am sure I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Since I made Him the Lord over my life, I have turned from my foolish ways :) cheers!