Dec 20 2008
The Worthless Christian (Part 1)
Let us get to the point. Are you a useless Christian? We may not like this truth, but God does want us to be productive in the Kingdom of God. Many people are busy in the Church and with religious activities, but they are useless when it comes to the advancement and edification of the Kingdom of God. It is easy to confuse what we do in the Church with Kingdom work. There is a difference even if we do not like to admit it.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matt 5:13 (KJV)
Back to the question at hand. Are you a worthless Christian? Jesus’ words were strong when He taught on discipleship and fruitfulness in the Kingdom of God. Hence, we need to understand what defines a worthless and useless Christian. Contrary to popular belief, God is not pleased with us when we are unproductive and unfruitful in the Kingdom.
Six Signs of the Worthless Christian
There are six markers or indicators that one can find in the life of the worthless Christian. Self-examination and humility are needed to recognize them in one’s life. Repentance and faithfulness then are needed to overcome. In this post, we will examine the first 2 signs of a worthless Christian.
1. The Worthless Christian is a Complainer. A Christian who is never satisfied is governed by their fleshly desires. Their life is characterized by a pursuit of personal gratification. They are not happy if their flesh is not satiated. Their focus is bigger houses, nicer cars, more money, bigger churches, bigger ministries, recognition in the church, and the like. And when they do not get it, complaining is the result. When Israel complained in the wilderness, they fell dead. Complaining will bring spiritual death to the life of any Christian.
Complaining is a sign of ingratitude and selfishness. If you are complaining, you are not walking in the peace that He gives. In addition, you will not walk in Spirit. Without a spiritual mind, you will be unproductive in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. If we lose our savor, we are good for nothing - Worthless.
2. The Worthless Christian is Carnal. One destructive force in the life of the Church and the advancement of the Kingdom of God is carnality. Paul described what a carnal Christian look like,
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Cor 3:3 (KJV)
If you cause contention and divisions in the Church, you are in carnal. If you have something to say about everything, you are carnal. If you think that you are always right, you are carnal. Carnality has to do with your character. Do you seek for peace and unity in the Church? Or, do you seek preeminence and power? Does your name have to be called? Do you have to be the most “anointed?” Be honest. If so, you are carnal trying to operate in spiritual things. You will be a hindrance to the Church and Kingdom, rather than a help. True humility is needed.
We are in a time when God wants to pour out His Spirit and reveal His glory so that men will come to Him. If we are out of sync with Him, we frustrate His plan and purpose. We have to endeavor to be fruitful in Him.
In the next post, we will look at 2 more signs of the worthless Christian. It is our hope that all will become effective in His Work.
