ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN BY MOUTH OR BY LIFE?

This is a serious word. If we hear it and do not receive it, if we do not repent and act on it, then whatever else we hear from any pastor, any sermon, any place, will be of no use. When God speaks, it is a serious thing.

In John 5, Jesus speaks to people who searched and examined the Scriptures, thinking that in them they had eternal life. The testimony of John, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures all pointed to Him. Yet Jesus says, "You are unwilling to come to Me to have life" (John 5:39-40). They had Moses, they had the writings, they had knowledge, but they did not receive the very Messiah the words pointed to (John 5:45-47).

That is the danger for us also. We may read the Bible, memorise Scripture, listen to preaching morning and night, debate the Word, speak revelation, pray prayers, and still not come to Jesus. The Lord's Prayer may be in our mouth (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4), Psalm 23 may be by heart, Psalm 91 may be spoken loudly, but are we dwelling in the shelter of the Most High? Are we abiding under His shadow? Or is our mouth spiritual while our heart is somewhere else?

James 3 warns that not many should become teachers, because teachers will be judged more strictly. This is not only for pulpit teachers. Parents, friends, counsellors, Bible-study leaders, all who speak the Word carry responsibility. We must not rejoice merely because good words come from our mouth, prophecies come, healings happen, or Bible studies increase. We must ask: are we living in the wisdom of the Word, or in the foolishness of the flesh?

Samson had anointing, but look at his life (Judges 13-16). Gifts are not the same as fruit. Revelation is not the same as obedience. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

The very Word we heard, studied, taught, and spoke may stand before us on that day. Our own voice may be playing, saying, "Forgive, surrender, die to the flesh, follow Jesus," while our life is shown before Him without surrender.

There are steps or levels in this walk with God.

Step 1: a person may say, "I am born again," but is not interested in prayer beyond Sunday service. No daily Word, no prayer, no intercession, no fellowship. The Spirit calls, but they do not come. This type of person is cold.

Step 2: a person humbles himself and takes the first step. He says, "Yes, Lord, I will come." He studies the Word, comes for prayer, listens, receives revelation, and feels happy. The danger begins when he mistakes spiritual activity for walking in the Spirit. Because he prayed, heard a prophecy, or had Bible study, he thinks, "I am spiritual now." But Galatians 5:25 says, if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Step 3: true humility is to walk what was heard. Otherwise, the Word remains in the head but bears no fruit. The true heart says, "Lord, I heard Your Word. Help me live it." This person prays, "Lord, send me," and obeys God's assignments. This person walks in closeness with God and burns with zeal for Him.

Psalm 1 says the Lord knows the way of the righteous. This knowing is closeness, intimacy, walking with God. James 4 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Humility is not only coming for prayer, Bible study, or church. Humility is walking what we heard. It is saying, "God, I read this Scripture. Make it alive in me. Change me. Help me live this way."

In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus speaks to Laodicea and says, "I know your deeds." He does not say, "I know how much you preached." He says, "I know your deeds." Neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm. Lukewarm Christianity is when we look spiritual, speak spiritual things, but refuse repentance and obedience. God is not judging by human standards. The quiet person at the back, praying and walking with Jesus, may stand higher than the one who preached to many. Our works will be tested, and what is not of Him will burn (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).

PRAYER: Lord, do not let me only speak Your Word. Do not let me only hear it, teach it, or admire it. Bring me to Yourself. Let me walk what I have spoken. Let me not sit at the feet of men and miss sitting at Your feet. Make the Word alive in me, and give me grace to live it.