True ChristianityTrue Christianity bears the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness (or kindness), goodness, faith (or faithfulness), meekness, temperance (or self-control), and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (or its passions)(Galatians 5:22-23). In contrast to the works of the flesh, which any individual is capable of performing, only God can develop the fruit of the Spirit in one's life. One must allow this development to take place so they might be blameless before others and not hinder the testimony of Christ. The web of deceit is being woven today and many are gullible enough to embrace it. The characteristics of true Christianity are spelled out in God's Word but man has learned to manipulate that Word to his own advantage. He has analyzed and dissected it, towards his own point of view and lifestyle. Professed ChristianityMany who profess Christianity do not reflect such a nature. Scripture reveals that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (or creation): old things are passed away; all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is a decisive break with the old life at the moment of salvation toward that of a sanctified (or cleansed) life before the Lord. One renounces their pre-conversion life and sins, being constantly changed, being brought more and more in line with God's Word, assuming a new nature and conduct. One does not have to wear a nametag denoting Christianity for their life bears the message of that designation.The apostle Paul asked: "You that teach another, teach not yourself; you that preach a man should not steal, do you steal; you that say a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery" (Romans 2:21-24). These scriptures were in reference to his own country who's superior privileges should have produced a corresponding life-style, but they did not. This inconsistency had caused their devotion to be meaningless. Paul later wrote: My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge, for they being ignorant of God's righteousness, are going about to establish their own righteousness, having not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God (Romans 10:1-4).
An Ambassador for ChristWhen one is an ambassador they become an official envoy, a diplomatic representative, of their country. Scripture reveals that we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Is one a good representative of that designation? Does one realize the importance of such a designation? Do they bring honor to the one they represent or a reproach? A Christian is to live a holy life that reflects the nature of God. He is to separate himself from actions, influences, or people that will contaminate him.
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