Professing Christians Functioning Athesists

This title may sound like an oxymoron, but it isn't. There can be a vast difference between what we say we believe (profession) and how we live out those beliefs (function).

Those who are brave enough (those who have the courage only God's spirit can produce) to look honestly into their heart may be shocked to see that what is professed is not the same as what's practiced. This is why truth is so important.

We want others to be truthful but we first must demand it our ourselves. God desires truth in our inner man more than "playing church" (See Psalm 51:6).

Although we may attend church and Bible studies. There is the prospect that at all other times we keep God at bay by our distractions. Distractions can range from T.V. shows, sporting events, shopping, eating, computers and hobbies. Often times these serve to keep God out of our thoughts!

We can keep God silent with our music or other background noise. We can ignore God through intoxication. All of this serves to show what we truly believe.

How we respond to others people also reveals what we think of God's commands. We can give lip service to all the right things, but what is played out in our lives is far more important!

I'd go so far as to say that even theological debates can keep us from responding to life by faith. Again, it comes down to the difference between how we talk and how we live. It's great to talk about God (teaching a class or preaching a sermon) but it's more important to live for, love, and fear God. This is going to show in how we respond to the disappointments of life.

Church building can fall into this as well. It could be someone is working hard for their own monument. Even while saying "God gets the glory" (because we can lie about that). Again, it shows in how one responds to the discouragement of life. How one responds to plans being changed. This reveals who one thinks is really in control.

Doubts, those unseen claws, can rip away the masks of our polite Christianity. When our professions are only surface level, they are easily removed. This is when folks will go their own way. They lean on their own understanding. They do their own thing rather than put fain in a trustworthy God. They will live like they actually believe.

It's scary but true. People can profess to be Christian but live life without God. That is a functional atheist. Where is the truth? Not in our profession (or confessions). Do you believe God will provide? Even when the money is gone? Do you believe God is forgiving? Even when your past sins assail you? Do you believe God's way of forgiving and reconciling is the best? Even as you recall your personal hurts? Do you believe He will be with you as you face the hard, shameful, disgusting things in your life?

To these questions we could answer "yes," but respond in complete contradiction. The life of a Christian isn't found in what we say we believe, but in how we live what we believe.

God will give you the courage, honesty, and help to bring the two into agreement. Go for it.

Pastor Chuck