So, you think you're saved?

Many times we find ourselves wondering and doubting our own salvation. Often we "backslide" from being a Christian and decide it's not worth it to try. Many Christians who "backslide" make the statement, "When I get my life in order" or “When I can quit sinning" when they respond to why they haven't been to church in a while. It's not so much being in church but acting like a Christian. Let me explain. We often call the devout Christians hypocrites when they don't act like a Christian, but what happens to those who claim to be a Christian and don't act like one? What do you mean "act like one." In Matthew 7, Christ refers to Christians as trees. If you plant a apple tree, you don't expect peaches. If you are a Christian, you should produce the fruit of a Christian. "A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit (worthy of admiration). Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire therefore; you will fully know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:18-20. In other words you have to prove you are a Christian every day. Many will cast stones because I have said in another teaching that we should not push people to Christianity or religion, but if you are Christian already then you are hooked. In light of that statement, if you say that you are Christian and don't act like it, you are in sin. If you loose your temper and blow up at the top of a hat, you are not acting with the fruit of a Christian. If you curse and slander your neighbor, you are not acting with the fruit of a Christian. If you drive erratically and speed with no consideration of others, you are still not acting like a Christian. If you are going to be a Christian, you want people to want what you have not the opposite. Why would a filthy dog want to be clean if all he sees is other filthy dogs? In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]" In actuality, John addressed this issue very plainly but profoundly in Revelations 3:16, "So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!". God wants you to make a decision, make some kind of decision; He is not a God of mediocrity but a God of action. We see it throughout scripture that He wants us to choose life. God wants so much to have that personal relationship with you that He paved the way for it to happen. He sent His Son to die on a cross to defeat death to defeat Satan so that you can commune with Him and fellowship with Him. Don't be deceived, Christian. If you act like a heathen, talk like a heathen, look like a heathen, then people will see you only as such. Act like a Christian, Talk like a Christian, Look like a Christian, Be a Christian. Does it mean your life has to be boring? No. You can still go to parties but not live the lifestyle. You can go to movies, just be careful what goes into your ears and your eyes. Being a Christian can be fun if you allow it to be. Jesus did not die for you to live a boring life (see John 10:10 AMP). Have fun and be a Christian!