I live in this world, but I’m not of it; one of the most famous sayings in Christianity. Not only that, but it’s also a great song by Christian artists: Sho Baraka, Tedashii, R-Swift, Benjah, and Honey LaRochelle (A). I’ve heard people call this song an anthem because it’s a statement to the world that though I am here on this fallen planet, my heart, my mind, and my soul belongs to Christ alone. A question did manifest while I was reflecting on the idea of being in the world but not belonging to it, what about the other side? What about those who are in the church, but not of it?
Before I continue on, I want to make it abundantly clear that the church is not building. One does not go to church; one goes to a building to meet with the church. I have been wandering through Wal-Mart with my man Rudy and have had some great God centered conversation and reflection. To understand what it means to be “in the church, not of it” people must first understand that church membership is not limited to a little building visited once a week. It is a body of believers who fellowship in the name of the lord anytime, anywhere. (Mat 18:20 (B), Acts 2:42-47 (C)).
Membership in a church is an amazing experience and one of the key foundational components of Christianity. However, some people lose their passion and love for Christ and make no attempt to restore it. Instead, they put on a mask, go to the church building, think about whatever, and run back to the world as quickly as they can. By no means is this example the limit of the “in the church, but not of it” mentality: refusing to fellowship, serve, pray, read the bible, and the list goes on. As the bible puts it, you can tell a tree by its fruit (Mat 7:20 (D)). For example: if I pluck an apple off a tree, how could I possibly call that tree and orange tree?
As I wrap this up, let me state that Christianity is a long, difficult, and very narrow road. There are many Christians that will struggle, stumble, falter, and so on. This however does not act as excuse to live a life contrary to Christ’s example. The bible makes it clear that there will be many that will look like good strong believers, but when judgment comes, God will not know them (Mat 15:8-9 (E), Mat 7:21-23 (F)). Though they had perfect attendance in the building and played the role magnificently every Sunday, nothing about them desired God so their pseudo-faith fell short in the end. It’s time to stop with this hardly half-hearted “I go to church, so I’m saved mentality.” Being a member of a church extends beyond our Sundays, holidays, and meal prayers. To be a member of church means to live a life pleasing to a loving God, whose grace and mercy has blessed us with eternal salvation.
A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfS12DRq1tM
B: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat%2018:20&version=NIV
C: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202:42-47&version=NIV
D: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat%207:20&version=NIV
E: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat%2015:8-9&version=NIV
F: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat%207:21-23&version=NIV
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