The Tragedy Of Carnal Christians
Carnality is common among Christians in the world today. Nowadays, it is very difficult to distinguish Christians from people of the world because many look the same. Their way of life is similar, their actions and speech are similar, their lifestyles are similar. If you say that you are a Christian yet someone can easily confuse you for a worldly person, then there is a big problem. The tragedy of carnal Christians.
A child of God must be different from the world.
Your way of life must be different, your speech must be different, your dressing must be different, your lifestyle must be different. You should live a set-apart life. We are in the world but are not of the world. The Bible instructs us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
It is a tragedy seeing so many Christians living like the world. Many are regular church-goers but have no personal walk with Jesus Christ.
There are those who can quote many Bible verses but do not know God. Many have fallen into the trap of religiosity and have been deceived into thinking that that will take them to heaven; they forget that Jesus is the only way to God the Father. There are many who think they are Christians yet they are traveling on the wide path headed to hell. The tragedy of carnal Christians.
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8–9.
Do you know God personally or do you just know about Him? Do not live in deception, thinking that you are a child of God yet you are not. You need to search your heart and make sure that you are right with God. Do not be among those who live in carnality yet expect to make it to heaven; that is a great deception — the tragedy of carnal Christians. Your way of life should be a testimony that you are a child of God.
Attending church is good but remember that will not save you; only Jesus Christ saves.
Many Christians dress in worldly provocative ways. Their way of dressing does not glorify God in any way. When people look at the way you dress, do they discern that you are truly of God? Others who claim to be Christians behave in ways that do not befit a Christian. They are full of curse words, have haughty and arrogant attitudes, they are full of themselves, they are sexually immoral, they live a life of show-off, and their lives are driven by the love of money. The tragedy of carnal Christians.
There are others who are on the pulpit yet their private lives are stained with sin. They can preach, teach, evangelize, and prophecy, yet live contrary to the Word of God. There are many pastors who are after selfish gains — accumulating many followers and getting rich. They are in ministry to fill their bellies, not to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their involvement in the church is just a cover-up, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The tragedy of carnal Christians.
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:22–23.
You can attend church your entire life and even be actively involved in ministry and leadership positions in the church, and yet end up in hell. God is not a respecter of persons. We are to be holy, for God is holy. God’s standard is holiness and without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Changing times and cultures do not change God’s standards. Irrespective of your nationality, culture, age, family background, life experiences, or any other thing, God expects you to live a holy life.
We are to be holy inside and outside. Clean up your heart as well as your external appearance and carry yourself as a child of God.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:14–16.
It is time to repent and turn away from sin. If you have been living a carnal sinful life, pray for God to forgive you. Then, turn away from sin and start living your life in obedience to God. Say no to carnality, deny yourself, and crucify the flesh. Purpose to live a set-apart life for the honor and glory of God. Do not follow those who claim to be Christians but by their actions deny Christ. Those people are headed for destruction unless they repent.
God cannot change His standards for any man.
Pray for God to open your spiritual eyes that you may see clearly. Desire and strive to be in the will of God at all times. Seek God, study and meditate on His Word, and become a doer of the Word of God. There is no shortcut to heaven. You have to do what God says and live in accordance with His Word. You cannot deceive God; your eternal destination will be determined by the type of life you lived while on earth. Whatever you sow is what you will reap. Be wise and choose to be led by the Spirit of God.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:12–14.
Blessings.
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Originally published at https://www.vickysforum.com on March 8, 2022.
