Can you imagine someone trying to convince you that they are in the military when they aren’t?
They have their arguments. They tell you that there is a military, that it exists and they can prove to you that it exists.
They tell you that they love the military and they can tell you several facts about it.
They show you a uniform they purchased from Army Surplus, along with some MRE’s (Meals Ready-to- Eat), and even a rifle.
We know, of course, that all of these things, in no way, mean that you are in the military.
I realize that this all sounds ridiculous, but this very thing happens every day. No, not people trying to convince you that they are in the military without having ever joined, but people claiming to be Christians without ever following Jesus.
What does the Bible tell us a Christian is? The Bible, and the New Testament specifically, describes a Christian as a follower of Jesus.
It’s more than believing in Jesus, James 2:19 tells us …the demons also believe, and shudder. The demons believe and even have enough sense to fear God, but that doesn’t save them and it certainly doesn’t mean they are Christians.
Many know lots of facts about God, but so did Israel’s religious leaders in the time of Jesus, and here’s what He said about them in Matthew 23:2-3, 2 …“The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.
They knew what the Word of God said, and even taught it! But they didn’t do what it said.
Some people might believe that wearing certain clothing and owning a nice study Bible makes them somehow a Christian, but God told the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Looking the part, whatever that means, in no way means that a person is a Christian.
What makes a soldier? Joining the military and following their commands.
What makes a Christian? Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-25, 24…Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
If you would be a Christian, go and learn what those verses mean.
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
