Lip Service

Psalms 78:35-37  Then they remembered that God was their rock, that God Most High was their redeemer. But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues. Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant.

Several years ago, pastor Ed Stetzer wrote an article titled “Too Many So-Called Christians Merely Giving Lip Service to Jesus”. In that article Stetzer observed that roughly 3 out of 4 Americans identify as Christians and that those self-identified Christians fall into three groups that each represent about a quarter of the population

Cultural Christians. These are the people who believe they are Christians because the culture tells them they are, but they are Christians in name only and don’t practice a vibrant faith.

Congregational Christians. They have a church they consider to be a church home that they attend occasionally. But they don’t really have a real, vibrant faith either.

Convictional Christians. This final group is made up of those who actually live according to what they profess. They have a personal relationship with Jesus that has led to life change.

Of these three groups, only one truly love and follow God. Make no mistake about it, just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds makes you a Big Mac. You can cover your body with cheese and dressing, and sprinkle sesame seeds on your head, but you’re not a Big Mac. You may be nuts, however.

Just going to church, carrying a family Bible, and wearing a cross made out of railroad spikes doesn’t make you a Christian, either. You have to follow Christ, believe in him, and let him transform your life. Everything else is just lip service, and that won’t cut it with God.

Today’s Readings:  1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2

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