Time

 “A key ingredient in authentic Christianity is time. Not leftover time, not throwaway time, but quality time. [You must make] time for contemplation, meditation and reflection- unhurried, uninterrupted time.” (Bill Hybels)

People may wonder if there is an easy way to tell the difference between an authentic Christian, and someone who is just faking being a Christian. First of all, I believe the only individual that knows if someone is a true follower of Christ is God Himself. In all areas of life it is easy to convince ourselves that something is true when it isn’t. This also holds true with Christianity. 

Your good works (however that demonstrates itself in your life) won’t get you to Heaven according to Ephesians 2:8-9 (VOICE): For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.

Here are some of the qualities an authentic Christian should be demonstrating in their life (or living by):

Proverbs 30:5(VOICE):  Every word of God will be put to the test and proven true.  He is a defense for those who trust in Him.

 

John 14:6 (RGT): Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, if not by Me.

 

Romans 12:9 (CEV): Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good.

Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG): But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

2 Timothy 2:15 (ERV): Do your best to be the kind of person God will accept, and give yourself to him. Be a worker who has no reason to be ashamed of his work, one who applies the true teaching in the right way.

 The great evangelist, Billy Sunday, had this to say about authentic Christians: “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.”  There is nothing more important in your life than to be an authentic Christian that is on your way to Heaven one day (when you die). If this post has left you with many questions, please contact me through Facebook. Let’s talk I’ve got the time (because I am retired).[i]

---

[i] This topic was suggested by friend and blog member, Donna Fox.