What Kind of Christian Am I?

Have you heard the Christian apologetics theory that every person must put Jesus into one of these three categories: Liar, Lunatic or Lord?  It's a great question to ask a non-believer to start a conversation about Christ and find out who He is to them. 
But just the other day, God gave me a question for Believers that involves a different three L's.

As a Christian, Are you: Lazy, Legalistic, or Loving?

A lazy Christian is someone who believes Jesus is Lord, but doesn't have a strong desire to serve Him. They know all the right things to do and say at church, but when it comes to applying it in their daily lives they just don't. They may use the excuses of being too busy, too tired, too distracted, too booked, but whatever the case, it basically comes down to laziness. They simply do not value obedience to Christ enough to be proactive in their walk with the Lord. They don't take Him seriously! This is a scary place to be because when you really look at what being a follower is, you have to wonder if this person would really be considered one. If this is you, then you are right where Satan wants you: lazy, distracted, and apathetic. ..This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:14 (NLT)

A legalistic Christian is someone who is so caught up in the rules of christianity that they tend to judge others (and themselves) harshly. They have very little compassion for the lost because they are too busy judging them. They hold themselves to a standard of perfection that is impossible to meet, so when they realize they have sinned they try to hide it because they are so ashamed of themselves. Their shame turns to anger and they take it out on someone else who is sinning. By pointing their finger at another's sin they feel justified. As long as someone is paying for sin then they feel better. Or so they think. The truth about legalistic christians is that they are miserable on the inside. They remind me of the Pharisees from Bible times. So consumed with the Law that they didn't even recognize the Messiah standing right in front of them. Jesus said this to them, "You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Matthew 12:34 (NLT) This is also a scary place for a Christian, because if you don't see your deep need for Christ and His sacrifice of dying for your sins, then you are not truly saved. You have to know what Christ did for you in order to accept it and live how the Bible teaches. 

Which leads me to the last L: Loving. This is the kind of Christian that we are called to be. When you read about Jesus you'll find that He is kind and loving. He was a "friend of sinners", a rule-breaker, a traveller, a healer, a person with compassion. He was a teacher, a miracle maker, and a servant.  He was also ready to challenge the lazies and call out the legalistics around Him! But in all of it He was, and is to this day, loving through His actions and His words.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

THIS is the kind of Christian we should be.

So take a look at those 3 L's and ask yourself, "Which kind of Christian am I?"  

If you find yourself in one of the categories besides "Loving" then it's time to turn from your selfish ways! Don't let Satan have the upper hand any longer, it's time to take back your walk with the Lord and begin anew. 

Read 1 Corinthians 13 and be one that mirrors the Lord through LOVE.

 

Are you Thankful?

Luke 17:11-19 says,

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,[a] who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (ESV)

Only ONE man turned back and gave thanks and praise to God. Are YOU that one? Do you praise Him for all the good and wonderful things He does for you? Or are you like the other 9 that get healed (or get a job promotion, a new car, a child who is successful in school, etc) and then just carry on without remembering WHO answered your prayer?

It's time to be like the one who rose above the norm and gave thanks and praise where it was due. 

Thanksgiving is a time of year when people are reminded to give thanks. How about we try living that way EVERYDAY instead of just one day a year? You'll find with thanksgiving comes true joy, and with joy comes peace. It's that part of the story where Jesus says, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well." 

It's time to rise up, give thanks, and live in the splendor of His love everyday!