We enter the sanctuary. A smile here. Pleasantries there. Our outfits are put together. We look good, smell good, sound good; we appear good. But let's face it, many of us are very good actors. However, I can't help but to think of what happens when we leave church. Are we still the church? (See Ephesians 1:22-23 and Romans 16:5).
We, Christians, are the body of Christ, his church. If we are God's church, do we live as we really should in representing Christ? Are we God's hands and feet? Are we displaying good fruit?
Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:17-20
Do people even know you're a Christian? I remember working at a hair salon that I seriously hated a few years ago. A client came in for a haircut, and after a few minutes he asked me if I was a Christian. I was surprised how he even knew. Our conversation wasn't initially about God; I didn't have any markers to identify me as a Christian like a cross necklace or WWJD? bracelet. So, I told him that I was and asked him what was the giveaway of my beliefs. He responded, "There's a light about you." In the darkness of that salon filled with foul language, gossip, inappropriate music, and the flaunting of a lifestyle contradictory to God's word, I separated myself. I thank God for teaching me in my walk with Him to not just fit in with the crowd if it meant going against God's word.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.2 Corinthians 6:17.
The thing about being a Christian is that we can't look like the world, or we have to question our Christianity (See Romans 12:2). If we act like the rest of the world, how will people know we belong to Jesus?
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.
While the story of the man asking me if I was a Christian because of my light was probably one of the best compliments I've ever received, I can't help but to think that one of the worse things someone could say to me would be that they didn't know I was a believer. I went almost nine months at a job staying silent. I sat in at lunch listening to my co-workers talks of lust, drunkenness, and gossip, and I just sat there. While I didn't participate in the conversations, I certainly didn't separate myself. How could I go almost a full year without letting it be known I was a believer? It was because I was terrified. I was afraid of judgment.
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10.
Whose approval are you seeking? Are you going to church appearing super Christianly, but going to work or school appearing like the world?
Let's agree to stop playing games and putting a Christian mask on when it's convenient. (See Revelation 3:16).
Imagine walking up to God and hearing him declare, "I didn't know you were a Christian." We'd be devastated. We can't keep putting on facade of this great church girl or guy. But when we leave the building, we put on our bad girl or boy routine.
God wants the real, authentic you. Come as you are. If you are struggling with keeping your Christianity and faith on at all times, then know that you are not alone. God is a very present help. I remember coming to God so screwed up. I would raise my hands and clap in church, but then it was like I was another person the rest of the week. I came to God as girl who used to cuss so much that I cussed in my prayers. But I came---and He helped me to develop a relationship with Him. The "church face" I put on Sundays became my everyday. Jesus has helped me to do things that please Him. I'm not saying I have it all together, it's a struggle at times, but He helps me in my weaknesses and gives me strength.
So, let's stop with church games, and let's have God make us real before Him.
Love,
Courtney
