Luke-warm Christian!

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto Him, Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death. And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me. Luke, Chapter 22, verses 31-34.
(I’ve skipped some verses that I will come back to after this, so you can have the rest of Simon Peter’s interactions.)
Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with Him. And he denied Him, saying, Woman, I know Him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke, Chapter 22, verses 54-62.

When I read this Bible passage, I reflect on how I sometimes think I am very dedicated to God, but really I’m a “Luke-warm Christian!” In my mind, I feel like God is the most important part of my life, but when a situation arises where I could share my faith with others, I avoid it. I say to myself, “Well, this isn’t the right timing for me to discuss Jesus and all He’s done for me. Another time would be more beneficial and the person would probably be more open to it then.”
Baloney!!! Who am I trying to fool? I guess the only one I’m trying to fool is myself, because God knows when I avoid situations where I could have shared my relationship with Him. Although I don’t deny God openly as Simon Peter did, I’m denying Him in my heart through my choice not to share my love for Jesus with others. Sometimes, the truth hurts!

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Uncorrupted Christians

His disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Luke, Chapter 18, verses 15-17.

As an elementary school teacher, it never ceases to amaze me how sweet, trusting and honest little children are. It seems some get corrupted as they grow up and become cynical by the ways of the world, media and life, in general.
In the early grades the children would play with almost any other person that was willing to play with them. They generally got along well with everyone except for little squabbles, regardless of ethnicity or any other factor. Nearing the intermediate grades, these same groups of children would no longer associate with some of the children that they used to consider their best friends. They seemed to group themselves by ethnicity and other factors like income. I think Jesus wants us to be “Uncorrupted Christians” who generally get along well with others, regardless of ethnicity or any other factor.
Here is a related passage:
*Then were there brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them, But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And He laid His hands on them and departed thence. Matthew, Chapter 19, verses 13-15.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Focused on Other Things Christian

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. Luke, Chapter 17, verses 5-6.

This passage seems especially appropriate since I’m a “Focused on Other Things Christian,” thinking about selling my house, finding a job and buying another house. If I were really paying attention to what I’m writing, I would realize my faith is weak, because I am worrying and having sleepless nights.
I need to focus on God and things will fall into place. He works everything out so beautifully in timing, if I have the patience to let Him.

Here are some related passages:
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke, Chapter 12, verses 6-7.

*Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew, Chapter 10, verses 29-31.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Bird in the Hand Christian II

Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. Luke, Chapter 13, verses 23-27.

This reminds me of when I was heavy and there were people that weren’t really friendly to me. When I lost the weight, all of a sudden these same people were much friendlier. I didn’t really want to be close friends with them at that point. They had an opportunity to be friendly with me before when I was heavy, and they hadn’t chosen to.
Jesus may be telling us something very similar about putting off our decision to become active Christians. If we don’t acknowledge Him when He calls us, maybe He won’t remember us when we get around to asking Him for help.
Something unexpected like an accident might happen where we don’t ever get another chance. If I’m a “Bird in the Hand Christian,” I need to develop my relationship with God now, while I have the chance.
Here is a related passage:
*Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto Life, and few there be that find it. Matthew, Chapter 7, verses 13-14.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

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