7 things that many Christians should stop doing
Being a Christian goes far beyond professing belief in Christ. A genuine Christian must behave as such. And avoid at all costs doing things like the ones listed below:
1. To judge themselves superior to the rest of God’s children
The fact that we believe in the Son of God does not make us better people. Christ atoned for the sins of ALL mankind, regardless of belief (or disbelief), ethnicity, social class, and other factors.
Those familiar with the Bible should understand the “Jewish” and “Gentile” concepts it presents. “Jew” in various circumstances refers not only to the descendants of Judah, the son of Israel, but to all the covenant people, who are the descendants of the patriarch Abraham. “Gentiles” are all the peoples of the earth who are not of the house of Israel. In simpler language, the Jews had the Gospel, and the Gentiles did not and did not serve the true God.
Look at what Romans 3:29 says: “Is God only of the Jews, and is he not also of the Gentiles, of the Gentiles also?” “Remember ye that ye were Gentiles in the flesh” (Ephesians 2:11), that is, many of us did not believe in Christ, or at least we did not have the knowledge we have now. Why, then, do we feel superior to those who find ourselves in circumstances where we have already met one day?
Instead of feeling better than non-Christians, we should feel grateful and responsible for this knowledge and testimony. What we do about this truth that is entrusted to us is what determines what kind of people we are.
2. Be Christians of facade
Going to church and saying “Amen” to everything is easy. But the test of faith happens outside the church, in the relationship with the family, with friends, with neighbors, with colleagues, with the boss and with the employees. Proof is the fidelity to the Lord through language, clothing, behavior, what is watched, read and participate.
What is the use of professing the Christian faith and not being honest at work or with creditors? Make gossip, create intrigue, seek revenge, desire evil?
Jesus called people who act like hypocrites. Look at what He said to these: “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites … You outwardly seem righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Mt 23: 27,28)
If our attitudes do not match the faith we profess, it is more than time to get our lives in order before it is too late.
3. To think that just praying for the needy is enough
A question posted on a Christian page on Facebook generated answers that surprised me. The question was, “What can we do to help the needy?” Most of the answers were like “praying for them.”
People have unknowingly suggested that if we pray, God will send angels out of heaven with bags of food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities.
To Christians who have this distorted view I offer this Bible verse about what the true religion is: “Is it not for you to give your bread to the hungry, and to gather up the poor that are forsaken in the house? Coverest, and hide not from thine own flesh? ” (Isaiah 58: 7)
4. Believing in a passive faith
Just as works alone do not save, faith without works is dead in itself. It is understood by works, ATTITUDES, that is, to act according to what we believe to be true.
In fact, the word translated “faith” in the Bible comes from a Hebrew word whose root denotes “practical faith” and not “passive faith.” I suggest reading the entire chapter 2 of James for a greater understanding of the faith / works relationship.
5. Curse Christians from other denominations because of doctrinal differences
There will always be differences of dogmas or doctrines among the Christian denominations. What makes us Christians is to recognize our dependence on Christ, our Savior, and to strive to keep His commandments. But many insist on accusing other Christians and their beliefs of “anathema,” which means cursing. Careful, brothers! “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be damned.” (Luke 6:37) “Ye shall not do unrighteousness in the judgment.” (Lev 19:35) “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with what measure you measure you will measure you.” (Mt 7: 2)
6. Exalting yourself in social networks
I believe the Lord is really sad when He sees His children posting phrases to exalt themselves, like “May all envy you have of me make money!” Or “A kiss for the reprimands on duty!”.
How special, beautiful, the last piece of cake that person considers! Does this arrogance fit the teachings of Christ? Here is the answer: “And he that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Matt. 23:12) “Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” (Col. 3:12)
7. Discuss religion hotly
The Lord has never asked us to enter into religious strife, but to peacefully preach His gospel. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Luke 16:15) “But if any man desire to be contentious, we have neither such custom nor the churches of God.” (1 Cor. 11:16). For “As the charcoal for the coals, and the wood for the fire, so is the contentious man to kindle strife.” (Proverbs 26:21)
There are seven acts that sadden the peaceful followers of Christ. Moreover, the Lord himself. May we be shaped by His teachings! Only then will we be worthy to receive the Master’s invitation in due course: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy master.” (Mt. 25:21)
