These days, it is fashionable to be called “born again” that shows how powerful and impactful Christianity has become in our society. It also makes it quite difficult to now know those who are genuine and those who are pretending and using the name for a selfish gain. Don’t fall for it.
Image source thoughtcatalog.com
I assumed that everyone in my circle will be a church girl to start with. So being born again cannot differentiate them. I wanted someone who apart from being born again was also bold enough to show her humanity. One who has flaws – and needed not to cover up. One who was humble enough to be BORN AGAIN and yet bold enough to be UNIQUE and DIFFERENT; one who lived life not by the dictates of church rules, but by her personal convictions. The church will not live with you at home!
I looked for one with a genuine hunger for God, not the superficial worship activities in church. For me that hunger is not the tears shed during worship on a Sunday morning; it is not the scintillating dance steps, it is not the wonderful singing ability no, but the personal pursuit of God on a daily basis. It shows in the way they spend their time and money on week days and the way they deal with other people outside church. It shows in the way they talk to people when they are not doing evangelism.
It is revealed in the way they take their activities when the church leadership is not watching. Be careful if you see something suggesting eye service. Eph 6:6
For example, if I meet a sister who believes wearing trousers is a sin on Sunday, but she conveniently wears them other days of the week, I know I have seen someone living by dictates of church rule and not personal conviction. Because a sin on Sunday will still be a sin on Monday – Saturday. Another person may not wear trousers to church because she feels it is disrespectful to the church authorities but not sinful to God. It is a big difference. Of these two sisters one is living to impress men, another is respectful of men but driven by personal convictions to stay real – even in the areas she is still struggling. It is easier to deal with the real sister.
I have come to realize that being born again does not take away your humanity, it does not take away your character/temperament defects, addictions, or spending habits overnight. It requires a process of submission to the Holy Spirit to break you down and remould. That process always come with a struggle – so look for that struggle in the sister you are attracted to. Don’t be put off because she does not look holy enough.
It is a wonderful opportunity for you – the Holy Spirit wants you as an ally in building her up and encouraging her in the process of her formation. You will know she is getting better by her fruits – the fruit of the Holy Spirit. That is what Jesus recommended.
By their fruits you shall know them Matthew 7:16
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22-23
