As we gather once more in God’s presence, I’m excited to share with you a message about the true measure of a strong Christian. Our guiding scripture today comes from 1 Samuel 16:6-7, where God instructs Samuel not to judge by outward appearance, but to look at the heart. This powerful message is a cornerstone for understanding how God evaluates us, and how we should evaluate ourselves and others.
In today’s world, and sometimes even within our own church, we often assess a Christian’s strength by superficial metrics. We look at how often someone attends church services, their participation in church activities, and their visible roles in church leadership. However, these are human measures prone to error and misjudgment. They may overlook the true spiritual maturity of an individual. Remember, it’s possible for someone to be active in church and still be spiritually empty – a situation we strive to avoid.
So, what then is the true measure of a strong Christian? Let’s turn to Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul outlines the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities, reflecting the inner transformation by the Spirit, are the true marks of a strong Christian. It’s not just about being busy with church activities; it’s about cultivating these spiritual fruits in our lives.
Moreover, as we explore various roles within the church – be it preachers, elders, or members – each has specific guidelines in scripture. Yet, the common thread is the transformation of the inner person, as emphasized in Colossians 3:12-17. It’s about wearing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Our actions, words, and decisions should be soaked in love and gratitude to God.
This measurement of a strong Christian, focusing on inner transformation, may be challenging. It requires patience, as transformation takes time. It’s easier to conform externally than to change internally. But remember, God sees what man cannot. He sees our struggles, silent battles against sin, private acts of kindness, and heartfelt worship, even when others don’t.
As we consider these truths, let’s be cautious in how we judge others. Let’s use the same measure God uses: looking beyond the surface. And most importantly, let’s examine our own hearts. Are we growing in the fruits of the Spirit? Are our lives a reflection of God’s transformative work within us?
Let this be a moment of commitment, not just to outward expressions of faith, but to a deep, inner transformation that aligns our hearts with God’s.
