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Is Your Faith Wimpy?
The definition of "wimpy" is weak and fearful. An example would be
to not fight back if someone is picking on or hitting you. Most people who wear
the name Christian are in the wimpy category. I am sure that most of you consider
yourself to have a strong faith if you go to church on a regular basis. Perhaps
you actually do study your bible from time to time, and you think you have a
strong faith. Maybe, you consider that if you give a lot of money into the collection
plate that you are a very strong Christian.
It is so easy to measure ourselves against others because we can always find
folks who are not faithful in attendance, never study, and only put a few coins
into the plate. If this describes you, you are a wimp.
A strong faith is one in which the adherent takes a stand in spite of the opposition.
We are commanded in scripture to stand fast and be immovable in our faith, but
do we really? There may be a few from each congregation that actually takes
God's command to be strong and put it into their own lives, but the majority
of the members hope that they never have to have their faith tested. This is
because they know down deep that they would fail in this category.
Fear sets in when we begin to think about what others perceive in us. We are
fearful of persecution in all its forms. We are so fearful that we fail to share
the message of the cross with those who need it most. We are so fearful that
we let people talk about doctrinal error without opposing such false teaching.
We are afraid to express our love towards God and our Lord Jesus (except in
church).
A strong Christian is proud of their faith and works to share that faith with
others. A strong Christian does more than just say things that are morally right.
A strong Christian will challenge error when it is spoken from the pulpit. A
strong Christian will not sit quiet when error is taught or the exposing of
error is not. A strong Christian will not avoid any Bible subjects because it
is too controversial or emotional.
If your congregation is not getting stronger or growing, there is a good chance
that all the members are spiritual wimps. Yes, that includes the preacher! If
your preacher will travel thousands of miles to preach the gospel in other countries,
but does not walk across the street to invite someone for bible study, they
are a wimp. If your preacher has a strong internet presence and helps thousands
learn the basics of the gospel, but will not speak with his neighbor, he is
a spiritual wimp.
2 Timothy 3:12 informs us that all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution.
If you are not suffering persecution in any form, you are not living godly.
You see, the need is for people to live the life of a Christian instead of just
wearing the name. We express in song so many times of standing up for Jesus,
working for the master, living like Jesus, and joining the Lord's army, and
so many more, yet we forget our words as soon as the final "amen"
is muttered.
We all need to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) to see if we are a wimp
or a champion. We just may have to put down the remote control and go out and
meet people who need the salvation that God offers.
Do you realize that caring for the souls of others and being concerned for their
destination is a command of God? Failure to do so basically says "I don't
care".
By Carey Scott
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