“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
1. Division.
There are more than 3000 Christian denominations, so it is understandable to have some disagreement. However, the disagreement has come to point to where Christians are judging other Christians more than society judges others. Denominations have started bashing and being hurtful towards others, when that’s not what we are called to do. “The second is this: ‘ Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is not commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
2. Rejection.
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'” Mark 16:15
How many of us actually share the gospel to those around us? How many of us share the gospel to those we know don’t agree with us? In today’s culture we have learned to fear rejection. We look for acceptance, and a lot of the time we will do whatever we can to be accepted by others. What we actually need to be doing is learning to overcome the objections. It becomes easy to overcome these objections if you’re studying your Bible. Use your love for God as your ammo. Do not let the fear of rejection alter your beliefs.
3. Hiding the Truth.
Often times people will sugar coat the Bible, or even spread little white lies to get others into Church. Churches will even sugarcoat the Bible. The attendees start to enjoy attending church and become saved - which is amazing - however, they are being saved under false information. These people aren’t living Christian lives; it’s almost safe to say that most of them aren’t actually truly saved Christians because of “white lies” and the sugar-coated information. It is important to give the whole truth when spreading the word of God. Some may take offense, but the Bible is the one and only way to the truth and the life; it is not meant to be taken lightly.
4. Judging.
I have heard many say that some of the most judgmental people they have ever met are Christians. It is not our place to judge, it is our place to love and accept others. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Mark 7:1-2
5. Hate.
The world has molded us into some of the most hateful creatures that walk it. When we spread such hate it is hard for non-saved Christians to want what we have. We have to spread such love to where those around us want to be as us. “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
6. Only being a Christian when it benefits you.
Many “Christians” today only live a Christian life when it benefits them most. People will go out to parties Saturday night, use illegal substances, drink, have sex, sin. But, it’s okay because on Sunday they will go to church still hungover and ask for forgiveness, then they’re able to go out and do the same thing the next weekend. That is being a “Christian” when it benefits you most. Not only that, but you’re not truly repenting. You can believe in the world of the Bible and still bust Hell wide open. The next step for these types of Christians is to repent, and once you repent actually make a change in your lifestyle, make a full 180 degree turn away from your life of sin. “ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”” Matthew 4:17
7. Not living by example
As Christians we need to live by example. We need to portray the true Christian life-style. One of the best ways to help bring people to Christ is by showing them your walk with Him. We need to stop conforming to society, judging, hating, and living life in sin. "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:15-16
