Selfish Christians

I don’t always feel like doing the things Christians are supposed to do. I don’t always want to read my Bible, or pray, or set good examples. Sometimes I want to do what I want to do. And that’s something I’ve been really struggling with lately. I love God, I’m thankful that he sent his Son and for the sacrifice Jesus made, but I don’t always show it. I think that’s how a lot of us are. We know who God is and what He’s done, but we don’t react to it the way we should. Because to a lot of us, God put us on this earth but He’s not what our world revolves around.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

I was reading this morning and there was a sentence that really stuck out to me, “A lot of us want to keep God close enough to save us but far enough away to let us do what we want to do.” Wow. THAT is the world we live in. The USA is made up of 73% Christians, but I for one would not know that from walking outside, looking at the news, or listening to random people talk on the streets. So many of us know God and know that no matter what we do on this earth, as long as we believe in God, we will go to heaven. And that is enough for us. Because we have salvation through grace alone and not by works, why work? Why do the things that God wants us to do? Why shouldn’t I do what I want?

Philippians 2:21

For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

I may not always read my Bible, or pray, or be a good example; but I’ll tell you why I try to do those things. Why I try to show others I’m a Christian by the way I act and by the things I say. It’s not so that I look good, in all honestly, it’s the exact opposite. I do those things for the glory of God. So that when someone asks me how God is gracious, I can show them. So when someone asks me how God could allow disaster to happen, I can point to the Bible and I can point to instances in my life where God brought beauty out of disaster. So when someone asks me how I could believe in a God that I can’t see I can say, I have seen him; in the ways he’s answered my prayers and in ways He’s solved problems in my life that I didn’t think to pray about.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

We think of being a Christian as a gift for US. But it’s not. Being a Christian is not about us at all. It’s about CHRIST, it’s about His glory. We were not made to have a great life on earth, to have the nicest clothes, to live in the biggest house, and to have the most Instagram followers. We were made to give God glory. We were made to show others God’s love. We were made so that through us God could be known from one end of the earth to the next.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

God allows us to live as selfish Christians (I know those are two words that contradict themselves). He allows us to go to heaven regardless of our actions on this earth, as long as we believe. But as Christians we should look ourselves in the eyes and ask ourselves if we are living up to our purpose. Are we living in a way that shows God’s glory to others? Or are we living close enough to God for salvation but far enough away to let us do what we want?

One person is not holier than another if they are living for Christ. And if they are “too Godly” then there probably isn’t something wrong with them but with you. Look yourself in the mirror and ask if you are being a selfish Christian? I know I am, in more ways than one. But thankfully for us, if you are reading this, God has given you time on this earth to change your ways. To say I am selfish, and I don’t want to be. I am a Christian and I want to live out my purpose. I want to glorify you, because that is why you have made me.

There are 5.4 billion people in this world that aren’t Christians. Your actions of being a selfish Christian could be the difference between life and death for someone. But your actions of being a self-less Christian could be the difference between life and death for someone. Be a Christian who shows glory to God and not to themselves, so that the number of Christians can expand and the amount of glorify given to God could be the greatest it has ever been.

Acts 26:16&18

But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you… to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Quote from:

Segal, M. (2017). Not yet married: The pursuit of joy in singleness and dating. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.