I want to briefly share a story of two Christians. Similar to the story of the prodigal son, this story is intended to be a parable for us to learn an important lesson about living our faith.
There was once two Christians. One was a man of God. Not a priest or anything, just a normal man that sought after God and his ways daily. He had a friend who was also a Christian. However, this second man was far from God.
The First Man
But he knew that for all the good that he did everyday, were it not for what Jesus Christ did for him, he would be lost forever.
The Second Man
The second man was also a good person. He rose early from bed to do his work, but he rarely thought about God and very rarely remembered to pray or thank God for his good fortune. And why should he? He worked very hard, and wasn’t the good career and money he was earning a result of his own hard work? He lived a very comfortable life and because of his self-sufficiency rarely thought about God. But if he ever needed God, he knew that He would be available. He felt proud because he was one of the “good people” and didn’t really need God’s love and grace. He felt sorry for all the other sinners out there, but was happy that Jesus loved them regardless of their sins. He served when he was asked to as long as it fit his schedule. But he couldn’t help but think that he had more important things he could be doing for God. Strangely, he never did the more important things, but chose to grumble and complain about what was was asked to do. Most importantly, he went to church every sunday. He loved the pastor and most of the time he received a good message, with lots of useful tips, which is why he kept going every Sunday.
The Outcomes
On the surface, both men would appear to be very similar. Both would appear to be Christian. God loved both of the men, but only one was a Christian in his heart. Jeremiah 17:10 says “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
The lesson is that you may be able to “act” Christian, but to be a follower of Jesus Christ, you must BE a Christian with all your heart, mind, and soul.
The Challenge
The lesson is that you may be able to “act” Christian, but to be a follower of Jesus Christ, you must BE a Christian with all your heart, mind, and soul. God knows the difference even if you can fool everyone else.
Being a Christian means more than saying you are so, and going to church every Sunday. You must ever strive to live as God calls you to live. You must be in relationship with God, and humbly submit to His will everyday. Being a Christian means you are a follower of Christ. Are you following or trying to lead your own life?
So, think about the two men in this story. Which of the two men are you more like? If you find yourself relating more to the second man, I urge you to recommit your life to Christ, and humbly follow him every day of your life.
I think it is lame story and not reflective of anything real. Your mission may seem noble, but I would contend you are still what you are claiming to oppose. Whats going to church on sunday have anything to do with anything? Since when do “christians” honor lucifers day as the lords day? We say we follow Christ, yet dishonor the sabbath? Make excuses for it even? Where is any of this church non sense in the bible? Show me 1 verse. I would also contend, church buildings, church governments, need to vanish and go away. There is no Christ in them. And this tip toe and walk on egg shells and dont say the wrong thing or people might get upset because their sense of pride was hurt because I didn’t walk on egg shells and play the ego games you wanted to me play. IS NON SENSE. How about tell it like is. If you are fat, its because you eat crap. Im not going to play these games so I dont hurt feelings. I am not going to encourage you, I am not going to gently nudge you or support you, or worry about saying everything just right so your poor widdle fewings arent huewrt!!! I am going to tell you to stop eating this crap food it is making you fat and sick! Im going to tell you the food is poison you eat and you are addicted to it and need help! You folks still have a lot wrong and long way to go. I would lose these lame stories. Jr