Fake News...or Fake Christians?

As long as Trump is in office, I'm sure we will not soon hear the end of the "Fake News" epidemic. Although a topic in today's society, this is not the epidemic I intend to discuss. We hear alot about "Fake News", but how much do we hear or even talk about "Fake Christians"? Did I catch your attention? I hope so, because it took quite a bit of courage to use such an abrupt phrase. Now, don't misunderstand me. This is in no way an outlet used for condemnation or judgment (in an unchristian fashion) toward others. The only reason I am "qualified" to speak on this subject is because I have often let myself fall into this category...and it's a scary place to be. Why? Simply because when in this mindset, you rarely realize the peril you are placing your soul in. When you become so accustomed to the worldly way of thinking that you can barely see God's plan or simply respect His glory, you are abandoning Him. 

"So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."-Revelation 3:16 NKJV

Pretty frightening right? It should make you evaluate your actions, your Christianity, your spiritual walk...your whole life. I don't know about you, but I want to be in God's favor when Christ returns. GUYS. Christ is coming back. He's coming back. Mark 13:32 tells us that nobody knows when. It could be today, tomorrow, or a few years from now. This simple fact should be all the motivation we need to get our life right with God. What would we say to Christ when He returns if we spent our life practicing the examples listed below? "I thought I had more time?" 

Matthew 7:21-23 makes it clear that excuses will no longer be acceptable. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 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!". NKJV

If you fit into any of these categories listed below, it may be time to turn your life around and make your walk with God the main priority. I fit into many of these myself. He doesn't expect us to be perfect, but the problem with being a "Fake Christian" is not only the actions, but the mindset as well. I have struggled with many of these. When you truly become accountable, confess your sins or struggles, and accept God's will instead of your own...you are taking a step towards God and away from Satan.

1. Thinks about God on Sunday mornings/evenings and Wednesday nights but leaves spirituality in the building.

2. Continually sins in private/when parents or Christian friends aren't present and makes no attempt to repent/does not recognize the importance of repenting.

3. Hides sin/struggles from parents because one doesn't want to get caught for fear of not being able to participate in that sin.

4. Refuses to share God with others out of sheer embarrassment, pride, or ego.

5. Does not uplift other Christians outside of Church Camp/Church.

6. Endures the family involvement in spiritual activity but lacks the desire/initiative to grow spiritually on one's own.

7. Speaks about or is involved in crude activity at school, practice, around school friends. So much so, that a struggling Christian wouldn't be able to recognize that person as a follower of Christ.

8. Lies to friends who are closer to God because they want to keep the facade intact (so that they can continue in sin).

9. Thinks about their sin and about the error of their actions, but pushes guilt and their better judgement away.

10. Makes excuse after excuse for their sin, doesn't confront the importance of change/repentance, or even has a weakened faith or belief in God because they allow their sin to fester while nobody is watching.

11. Becomes very loose in speech (cussing/uses the Lord's name in vain), modesty, music, activities, and doesn't set boundaries in relationship with girlfriend/boyfriend.

12. Avoids at all costs the discussion of God outside of church. Places oneself in situations where they won't be judged/corrected for their actions.

13. POSSIBLY THE MOST DANGEROUS- Leads others to sin/participates in sin with individuals whose faith is not strong enough to abstain on their own. (i.e-those who weren't raised in a Christian home, those who do not know the truth about salvation).

14. Doesn't include God in their relationship with friends or girlfriend/boyfriend.

If you're looking for a sign...here it is. It's time to change. I've been in that darkness and it draws you so far away that you think there is no way back. There is. You can't continue to make excuses. What if Jesus came back today? What if He was standing next to you in the flesh while you made these decisions? Thinking about this, I felt very brokenhearted at some choices I've made. I became fearful of where I would spend eternity. I love you and God loves you, BUT that does not mean He is going to make an exception for ignoring His will. We must choose Him and His will. ALL of it, not just the parts that make us feel good.