“Why are some Christians so mean, spiteful, hurtful, and divisive?” I have heard statements similar to this from Christians time and time again. There is a fundamental misunderstanding of the title Christian. Not everyone who claims the name of Christ is a true follower of Jesus Christ. Not everyone who says they believe in Jesus is born again in the Spirit of the Lord or walking in the ways that God has commanded.
The problem is that many in the church follow a religion, Christian tradition, ritual, or a popular leader at a church. They may even believe they are entirely correct in their doctrine and belief system.
But, the Lord has not given His Spirit to all those mentioned above. The proof is in their lives, the fruits of their deeds, and their mouth. If the Lord has changed you, there will be a distinct difference from those in the world. The one who belongs to God will be humble, pure of heart, meek, loving, compassionate, and has a servant’s heart. The Lord is seeking those with childlike faith and repentant heart.
And Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17
The Spirit of the Lord will restrain the servants of the Lord. So that even when they do sin, they will repent and turn to what is good and right. Repentance of sins is the cornerstone of the Gospel, the walk of the Christian, to turn away from wickedness to do good, rejecting the darkness to stand in the light and believe in Jesus Christ by faith.
You may be surprised that God calls the lowest of the low to be the greatest in His Kingdom. Those with childlike faith in God have given up their arrogance and pride in themselves to humbly say, “God, you are right, and I am wrong. Please forgive me, Lord.”
The lowest servant in the church desires to serve everyone regardless of stature, position, or title. With all righteousness and holiness, they will continue in work the Lord has given them. Though not perfect, they will desire to do good and turn from evil.
According to what men believe, this is entirely the opposite of what they call greatness. But that is how God’s kingdom works. He honors and praises the lowest and most humble servant willing to do whatever God commands.
Indeed, the wicked rage against all good things. They hate the ways of God. If not openly, they hate them in secret. They will come against God’s people and rebuke their good behavior as if it is evil, calling good evil and evil good. Do not be surprised when this happens, even when church members condemn your good ways.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus said that the goats would dwell among the sheep. The tares will grow with the wheat. The bad fish will swim alongside the good fish. God has allowed the true believer to walk among the false believer in the church. But He will divide them at the proper time, and the false will receive what they have earned.
So do not be surprised when you are attacked for your faith, work, and truthful words, even by those who call themselves Christians. It is only a matter of time before they will turn on you as wolves turn on sheep. They will try to silence you but stand strong. The Lord will repay them in His time. For He says, “Vengence is mine, says the Lord.”
May your eyes be opened to the dangers around you. Stand your ground, by the authority and power of the Spirit of the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. Put on the full armor of God beforehand so you will be ready when the attacks come.
For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
All those who walk by the Spirit of the Lord will focus on Jesus, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the proper behavior that the Lord has laid down through His Commandments. Be aware that some have a religious spirit in the church and are false. Pray they might repent, receive the new birth into the Holy Spirit, that God may save them.
God knows the destination of all men, but we do not. Therefore, trust your life to God and pray that all God has chosen will come to Him in repentance for the forgiveness of their sins.
And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago. Acts 3:17-21
The Soul Sower 