"Real Christianity"
by Administrative Pastor Mike Borders

I believe that people today are looking for “realness” in modern day Christianity. They are inundated with “pretense” Christianity coming at them over the air waves, via the internet, and from their homes – seemingly everywhere…even the recent Democratic and Republican political conventions got in on the act!

What is this “realness?” From my generation, it is slang often used like “get real” meaning “Hey, stop pretending and being hypocritical.” They cannot relate, for the most part, to TV evangelists who seem to always having an angle for money or to the way the mainstream media seems to often portray believers. It is similar to the time when Isaiah penned, ‘The Lord says: "These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me…”’ Isa 29:13 NIV

People want to see “realness in life” and how we as Christians react to real-life or each other. For example, how do we respond to a death of a loved one or how do we respond if one of us has been diagnosed with cancer? Those are soul-searching times that require the strength of each other and an Almighty and Loving God. (Once you profess faith in Christ, people of the world will be watching!)

I have found the following passage to be a good definition about a how a “real” Christian is supposed to live:

Romans 12 9 Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. 13 When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. 14 If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. NLT

Every one of us, to varying degrees, goes through life trials of which none of us are immune.

To summarize,

1. Realize that God is our source and give Him the glory
2. Energize our prayer life
3. Activate our faith
4. Love others!

Imagine what our churches and our world would be like if we as Christians behaved in such a manner as described above!

“Lord, help us all to be ‘REAL’ Christians…”