Definition and Qualities
A devout Church-Centered Believer is an individual who know a little about the Bible because they've been fairly consistent in the reading of God's Word. They've also been fairly consistent in daily prayer, church attendance, and Christian-based fellowship for a year or more. And, they've fallen in love with the church experience (i.e., some love singing and worship, others love fellowship, and others love the teaching or preaching of God's Word).
Unfortunately, there are some not-so-devout Church-Centered Believers. Here's a peek at what they do:
• Not wanting to do the hard work of learning and growing with the basics (i.e., daily prayer and Bible reading), some of these Believers use church attendance, a great smile, and all the right words to show others..."their devotion."
• Some go a bit farther and actually watch sportive games or text others during most of the church service - as though no one sees what they are doing. Certainly, God sees what they are doing - and their actions are being recorded in The Books.
• And others go all the way. They sit near the back and completely disconnect from worship and listening to the man or woman of God speak. But yet when you ask them, they're sure to tell you they attend church services regularly.
Don't be like them. Turn and become a devoted Church-Centered Believer!
Focuses
Now that a foundation has been laid, the Church-Centered Believer must begin to focus on drawing nearer to their Lord, bearing fruit in their lives, and becoming more like Him in word and deed. Two important topics should now come into focus:
1. Godliness — the quality of having great reverence toward God, living in devotion to Him, and making the effort to reflect His character in daily life. It is both an inner attitude and outward conduct that aligns with His will. Verses such as Ephesians 4:26-29, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Hebrews 9:27, Romans 12:17-19, and Ephesians 5:21 give us short insights into how God thinks we should live the life He has given to us.
2. Holiness — being set apart, consecrated, and/or dedicated unto God. Moral purity, separation from sin, and alignment with God's perfect nature. "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." — Hebrews 12:14 tells us!
Why focus on these two topics? Consider the following:
• You follow the direction of your pastor or church culture and begin talking to nonbelievers about Christ. But then they begin to ask you questions about the short, tight dresses and revealing blouses you wear. They also bring up how much cussing you do during the day.
• As you talk with a good friend about Christ (someone who's rejected religion many years ago), he tells you about your occasional fits of anger and how you cut people off on the freeway and flip them off as you drive by, and then asks how Christ-like those behaviors are.
• While talking with a cousin who is a nonbeliever, he asks you if you still go to the club - and you say yes. He asks you if you still have the pornographic magazines at your house - and you say yes.
• A co-worker who is a nonbeliever asks you if you still drink alcohol and smoke marijuana. You say yes to both.
• While sharing Christ with a nonbeliever where you play your favorite hobby, they tell you, "I hear what you're saying, but you talk (i.e., gossip) a lot about people behind their back. You get angry, tell people off, and then walk away when you get mad. If you represent Christianity, then I want nothing to do with your religion!"
Do you see how evangelism takes a second or third seat to godliness and holiness (i.e., how you live your life in public and private affects your witness)? THIS is why I am encouraging you at this stage in your growth and maturity in Christ to work on godliness and holiness for a period of 2-3 years!
Two of my favorite books on this topic are:
2. Strengthening Your Grip: How to be Grounded in a Chaotic World.
I pray this article has been informative and helpful. If you have questions or comments, you can email me here.
In His Name,
Roy