MALACHI 3:16 – Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.
THEME OF THE DAY. DON’T BE FRINGE CHRISTIANS. We should probably define “Fringe Christians” before we warn ourselves not to be one. Let’s start by defining the word “fringe”. For our purposes, the third definition found in the dictionary I referred to defines “fringe” as “Not the part of the mainstream, on the outer edge, margin or periphery.” It basically means “to not be involved” or we may use a sports image and say, “To sit in the stands as a spectator of a sport not a participant.” But we need to go a little deeper in the definition as applied to Christians. What would “fringe Christians” look like in our churches? Here are five characteristics found in “fringe Christians” . . .
First, “fringe Christians” are inconsistent in attending church on the Lord’s Day. One never knows if you will see them or not, and especially when the weather is nice, and worldly activities scream for attention. “Fringe Christians” see church attendance as a really nice thing in their lives, but not an indispensable spiritual necessity in their lives. There are two sad consequences in the lives of “fringe Christians” who are hit and miss in weekly attendance to church. They develop a reputation of unfaithfulness. That isn’t a harsh judgment. It is a observed reality. Another consequence is they will lack joy in the Lord. I know. I know. People may argue this, but we must be honest. God tells us “Do not forsake or neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some” (Hebrews 10:25). It comes down to disobedience or obedience. God says, “Do not stay away from my people” so if we choose to do so, we choose disobedience and that always removes the joy of the Lord.
Next, “fringe Christians” have a consumer mentality when it comes to church. When they do come, it is all about what they get, not what they give. That’s why it is not uncommon for “fringe Christians” to also be “church hopping Christians.” They see church as a place to meet their needs. If that doesn’t occur in one church, they just move on.
A third mark in “fringe Christians” is the presence of a critical critiquing attitude. They are quick to find fault in people, churches, and equally quick to complain about whatever. This reveals the underlying spiritual problem in “fringe Christians”. They never see the church as a spiritual family that exercises a love that endures all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and forgives all things. These relationships don’t exist in “fringe Christians” because their Christianity lacks understanding of the eternal bond with Christ’s people that creates deep life-on-life spiritual relationships with other believers.
Fourth, “fringe Christians” are not sacrificially, consistently, and actively involved in any ministry in their churches. When they do attend, we won’t find them in any form of service. They are passive receivers of ministry, not active givers of ministry.
Finally, and one of the most damaging marks in the lives of “fringe Christians” is they never participate in any church prayer opportunity. And here is where the true measurement of our spiritual health is found; our prayer lives, both privately and with other Christians. It is a simple truth. When the love of Christ is known and experienced in His people, they become praying people, not just alone, but with other believers. They do so out of desire and delight, but “fringe Christians” won’t and sadly, they rob themselves of one of the greatest ways to know the joy and love of the Lord Jesus – praying with other Christians.
“Fringe Christians”. They do exist, but only in the minds of human beings. The Bible never mentions them because a call to follow Christ is a call to be “all in” and that means no possibility of being “fringe Christians.”
PRAYER: “Father, deepen my commitment to You by deepening my commitment to Your people.”
QUOTE: “If we claim to love Christ, we will love His people, and that means deepening spiritual relationships with them.”