carnal christian

Sometimes I think the term carnal christian is ὀξύμωρον, oxymoron. But I have to say so often, our Christian lives are more cultural than biblical. Taking an average week, other than maybe going to the church on Sunday morning & study the Bible 1 night, there is not much of a difference between Christians & non-Christians. we watch the same TV shows, rush home from church to catch football games, parties on weekends. We chase the American dreams before we chase after God's people. And we call ourselves Christ followers and use 'work in progress' as the get out of the jail free card. Do we posses no responsibility of our own behaviours. Sadly, we loose our effectiveness because even non-believers can do better than that!

 "in about 56 years [when I die] do I  really want to say I made a lot of money doing contract work... " my brother said.  How much of what I do actually has Kingdom values? I asked myself.

Do I reach out to that divorced guy with 2 kids? Do I care for that unwed mom? Do I care for people and their needs or do I laugh at other's expenses. Do I talk about what God's doing in people's lives or do I just talk nonsense? How do I invest my time in others rather than in myself? 

To not be a carnal Christian, I ponder through Gal 5- The true freedom we have in Christ...

Life by the Spirit

 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.