Published: October 23, 2009 09:23 am      

Do I really want to cheat myself?

I just returned from Kenya, Africa, a few days ago. I thought the poverty of the Gypsy population of Romania was the worst I had ever seen. It was. Now, I have seen worse.

I noticed another significant difference. Even though the poverty and living conditions seem more severe, the people seem happier and more content. Most of the children go to school. And, when you visit with active church members and those who do not attend at all, all of their smiles appear to be genuine.

One of our drivers described how he had withdrawn from participating in church life because he believed it was made up of too many “pretenders.” He defined pretenders the same way we would describe “hypocrites” in our culture.

I found myself feeling many feelings. I felt sad for him because I knew he was missing out on some learning, worshipping, and fellowshipping needs being met in his life. Yes, I know that we don’t have to be in a church building to learn about God and to genuinely worship Him. But, how many of us really have the discipline to grow in both of those areas on our own?

By definition, “fellowship” needs can only be met when we are in the presence of people that are glad we are there with them, and who are willing to give and receive encouragement with us. We can not meet this need in a healthy way on our own.

I also found myself feeling frustrated with myself and others for not living a life that was clearly, genuinely, and noticeably different because of our choice to be a follower of Jesus. I think we can do better.

I have heard it said that, “The number one strategy that Satan uses to keep people from considering a personal choice to follow Jesus is to get them to focus on the mistakes and misdeeds of someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus.” “Who would want to be like one of those pretenders/hypocrites?”

Remember, being a follower of Jesus is more than just a one-time decision to become a Christian and get our reserved seat in Heaven. It was designed to be the first decision of many as we learn to be more and more like Him. It was designed to be a process—not a one-time act.

Yet, there are many who watch from the sidelines and never decide to participate in the initial choice to be a follower of Jesus, or to stay in a setting where they can participate in the growth so sorely needed. What a shame.

Potential “seekers” are not comfortable around many professed believers. And, former church attenders are dropping out in droves because they are unhappy with what they see and experience (or maybe don’t see and don’t experience).

There will always be pretenders and hypocrites. Most of the time they are not purposefully devious and deceptive individuals. They are typically just sad, weak, needy, and immature people that have only taken their first steps in being a follower of Jesus-- regardless of how many years they may claim to have been a follower.

What sense does it make to cheat yourself of a walking, talking relationship with God just because someone else is living less than a pure life?

Are you sure you want to cheat yourself?