Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Two Types Of Christians

GALATIANS 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

THEME OF THE DAY. TWO TYPES OF CHRISTIANS. There are those Christians that just light up a room when we see them. Their presence is a source of immediate encouragement. Often, they don’t even need to say a word. Just the twinkle in their eyes, the smile, and the joy of the Lord on their faces are enough to lift a downcast believer out of a pit of discouragement. I am sure it was like that when Jesus walked into a room of individuals or entered a crowd of hurting people who were looking for hope and strength.

Conversely, there is the other type of Christians. They really do exist. We know they exist. We see them. They are in our churches. We might even be one of them. Oh, this isn’t me exhibiting a critical and judgmental spirit. It is merely an observation and personal experience. The type of Christians I am describing are those who just look miserable. The smile they may give is forced. Their conversations are normally about how bad things are followed by complaining and a focus on themselves. Talk long with them and one thinks they believe the only people on the planet are themselves.

In thinking about the two types of Christians I have just described, I categorize them as “Christians we enjoy” and “Christians we endure.” As I thought of those types of Christians, I asked the hard question, “Which one would people say I am?” and I would invite all of us to ask the same question. And to get a good personal assessment, let’s identify one clear distinction between the two.

First, the “Christians we enjoy” are those in real fellowship with the Lord Jesus. Not in words or profession, but truly. In the Word and prayer, they walk with Jesus. They talk of Jesus. He is real to them. They live Biblical Christianity. When it comes to Biblical Christianity, it cannot be faked. Oh, we can fake religiosity, even in Bible-believing churches. Here is the difference. Religiosity masquerading as Biblical Christianity consists of church attendance (not every Sunday, but probably over half of the Sundays in the month. It may or may not include giving of one’s money for the work of the Gospel. If it is given, it isn’t sacrificial. When it comes to active involvement in the prayer ministries of the church, service in various ministries, active participation in the Gospel and studying the Word outside of Sunday morning, religious people won’t be seen. Not so for the “Christians we enjoy.” They are close to Jesus, they are immersed in the life of their churches. This immersion is infectious and flows with encouragement. And their commitment to life in the church is not out of duty but delight. Prayer meetings? Never miss. Too much joy to be had. Passion for the Word and the Gospel? Cannot get enough. Won’t choose worldly events over Word opportunities. And because they are close to Jesus, they are burden-bearers entering the lives of God’s people to carry their burdens of sorrow, suffering and grief. They weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. They are a pure joy to be with for fellowship.

Then, we have the “Christians we endure.” These types of Christians live in a world surrounded by “I, me, my, and mine.” Everything is first and foremost self-centered. In a conversation, they will quickly talk about themselves. And if a spiritual dialogue is opened, the “Christians we endure” may talk about Jesus, but they won’t be able to discuss a current experience with Jesus. It will be cold Bible fact lacking spiritual life and vitality. They won’t be able to share truths about Christ because they are not in the Word encountering and discovering Christ. And the reason why they are “Christians we endure” is because the ugliness of selfishness is always a painful experience to endure.

So, what type are we? Jesus came to give us life, a spiritual life that would be a refreshment to others. May He make us the type of followers that people enjoy our presence, not endure it.

PRAYER: “Father, help me to model Your Son by being a giver of living waters to those thirsty souls in my life.”

QUOTE: “Christians are to be joy-filled, self-denying people who encourage others, not self-serving, discouraging others.”