At the outbreak of the American Civil War a Tennessee cotton planter could not decide which cause to support: the North or the South. Since he had friends on both sides, he decided to be neutral. He wore a grey shirt and blue trousers.
One day he was caught in the middle of a skirmish, so he stood up, shouting that he was neutral and asking if he could leave the field before the battle closed in. Union sharpshooters, seeing the grey jacket, riddled it with bullets, while Confederate men, seeing the blue trousers, filled them with lead.
I doubt this is a true story but it could be. Regardless of whether it is true or not, it is illustrative of how many people live – trying to please everyone but standing for nothing – and achieving little or nothing which is worthwhile.
Jesus said
“No man can serve two masters”
Matthew 6:24.
Sadly, many Christians try. They “wear the tag” on Sundays and when they are with other Christians, but more often than not, their lifestyle in their homes and in their workplaces and especially in their leisure/entertainment times does not reflect the life of Christ within.
If we are honest we ALL fall prey at times.
There are times we fail to “let our light shine”
There are times we complain, criticise, get angry etc.
There are times we allow our eyes and ears to see and hear unwholesome things.
There are times we ignore someone in need.
There are times we don’t show love to our neighbours as we should, going the extra mile.
There are times we fail to speak a word for the Lord.
There are times we don’t spend the time with the Lord,
in His Word and in communion with Him, gaining strength for the day.
There are times we go our own way, instead of seeking His will.
We fail at times, but it certainly isn’t the way God intends.
We learned in primary school
that two halves make a whole
and we cannot deny that,
but when we apply it
to someone trying to walk the fence in the Christian life,
it cannot apply.
TWO HALVES THEN MAKE A NOTHING
It is impossible to be a HALF a Christian.
There is no in-between.
One is either a believer or a non-believer.
One either HAS Christ or DOES NOT have Christ. [1 John 5:12]
One either has eternal life or does not have eternal life. [John 3:36]
One is either a child of God [John 1:12. 1 John 3:2]
or a child of the devil [Eph 2:2-3. John 8:44]
There is no in-between. There is no half-and-half.
If we are a child of God, we are called to:
Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:11
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And DO NOT be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
Thought from Mr Anon:
When we still our conscience by calling something a “necessary evil”
it begins to look more and more necessary and less and less evil.
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I note you mention (in comment) what came to mind as I read your greatly needed words, good friend. When we fail to fight the good fight, run the race with passion, put on the whole armor, and countless other biblical encouragements, we no longer reflect Christ… to be His body. It probably goes a long way in explaining our lack of influence in the world today. Whether half-Christians are true Christians is of course God’s knowledge and not mine, but the admonitions Jesus gave us regarding fruit-bearing where He lives should cause us alarm when we can half heartedly accept His grace and mercy that He purchased for us on the cross. Blessings
>> “Whether half-Christians are true Christians is of course God’s knowledge and not mine”
I totally agree with that, Mike, but I wonder how anyone who has come face to face with Jesus and been given faith to believe all He has achieved for us, could NOT respond wholeheartedly in absolute surrender. His work in the life is so REAL and so on-going that it demands a response. I would have to put a question mark on their experience if meeting Him doesn’t change their lives. Having said that, I agree too many Christians APPEAR half-Christians to the world, and thereby become stumbling blocks to faith in Christ.
I maintain no one can be half a Christian. A person can be under conviction, can be searching, can be challenged, can be ‘almost a believer’ (or can be a babe in Christ who is still learning, or influenced by false teaching) but if their time on earth ceased, they would be either one or the other – a child of God or a child of the devil; eternally in heaven with their Saviour or eternally in hell.
We are one day closer!
Amen ! Thank you for the TRUTH.
The Truth is God’s Truth and it is our privilege to share it.
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
We serve an amazing God!
This is a great post, Cloudwatcher! While I was reading it, the word “half-Christian” came to my mind, and isn’t that a lot of what we’re seeing these days, even from many pulpits? I also like ptl2010′s “if we are for nothing we are good for nothing” statement. I think you’re both right on, and I pray that more Christians will finally get it because the time is so short!
Blessings,
~Anna
Yes, we are seeing way too many people who claim to be Christian but their lives don’t reflect Christ, and they are doing harm to the cause of Christ. Sadly, many Churches have lowered their standards for the sake of seats on pews and people are not getting the teaching they should.
Yes, time is short. We who know the REALITY of a life in Christ need to speak up – to speak with our lives and our lips – to reach people while there is still time.
We are one day closer!
Reminds me of Humpty, Dumpty, who sat on the wall of indecision, and had a great fall. We must decide who we are for and against and live accordingly. Yes, if we are for nothing we are good for nothing. May the Lord help us to be truly committed people for Him.
Last week I had someone tell me she is “sort of Christian” and that prompted this post. Of course, I explained the impossibility of being half-and-half and continue to pray that Holy Spirit will convict her of the truth.
If all Christians lived as we should, people would know the difference. We would stand out as different, just as Jesus did when He walked the earth, and I am sure, as Paul and Peter did. If we are “half a Christian” or “sort of Christian” we are nothing. If anything, we are a stumbling-block to faith in Christ, not a stepping stone.
Lord, may we show forth Your love, mercy and grace and may our every word, deed and attitude be a reflection of You.
What an amazing God!