One who is truly a Christian has been called of God. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Cor. 1:26). In the sense that most people perceive joining a church, one cannot simply join the true Church of God. An individual is placed in the body-the Church-when he is given the Holy Spirit. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). As a true Christian, one is expected to live an exemplary life. We are instructed: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your [conduct] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:11-12).
Many professing Christians fail to live up to this standard. They do not set a proper example. While they often attend services, church participation has little meaning in their lives. Some, who do attend, do so with an entirely wrong motive in mind. Their worship before God is inappropriate. Consider the following examples of improperly worshipping God, that is-how not to be a Christian!
Be Irregular Or Sporadic in Church Attendance
When the Sabbath arrives each week, try to find an excuse for not attending. Or, if attending be sure to arrive late. Those who fall into this category do not realize that they have little regard for God’s Word, and no fear of Him at all. They are not motivated by a love for God, but for reasons other than what the Bible commands.
The Bible instructs:
Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. (Ex. 31:13-16)
This is the same Sabbath Jesus kept (Luke 4:16). He said He was the Lord of this day. “And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28). How one observes this day is a telltale sign of his reverence and fear of God. Some say there is no command in the New Testament to keep the Sabbath. But Paul tells us in Hebrews 4:9, “There remaineth therefore a [keeping of the Sabbath] to the people of God” (Heb. 4:9). The word “rest” in the Authorized Version is incorrect. The Greek word for rest is sabbatismos, which means a “keeping of the Sabbath.” Paul makes it plain that Christians should keep the Sabbath. But does that mean that if they have local services available, they should attend only when “they feel like it”? Some think so. This is improper worship before God and violates the command, “Verily my Sabbaths you shall keep.” Those who practice this are a prime example of how not to be a Christian.
Often those who do not attend, or are sporadic in church attendance prefer to do other things. They fail to heed the proverb that says: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Prov. 12:15). When it comes to church attendance, Paul wrote: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10: 24-25).
There is a proper way to worship God:
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isa. 58:13-14)
The blessing God intends us to derive from the Sabbath cannot be realized unless we set aside our desires, and as the Bible commands, attend Sabbath services regularly.
If You Do Attend, Find Fault with Everything
This includes finding fault with the minister, the deacons, the people, the singing of hymns, and the sermon. Don’t leave anything undone. In this manner you will be demonstrating how not to be a Christian. Many have the tendency to evaluate and judge matters by the outward appearance only. They fail to realize that God judges by the heart. God instructed Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the future king of Israel, but Samuel did not know which one. ” . . . The LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7).
One who constantly finds fault with almost everything is full of arrogance and vanity. What strikes him as defective, he criticizes. What strikes him as acceptable, he does not criticize. In brief, he has set himself up as a judge. The Apostle James wrote: “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (Jas. 4:11-12). One of the reasons a novice should never to be ordained into the ministry is because he is likely to be lifted up with pride-arrogance and vanity-and then condemned by the devil (1 Tim. 3:6). Usually seasoned, older, experienced men know better than to let this happen to them.
No matter what one’s opinion may be about himself and others, what really matters is God’s opinion. Since God judges by the heart, He will more than likely think quite differently than we think. “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (2 Cor. 10:18). True Christians have a measure of love-one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22). As such, they will not be judging and condemning others.
We read in 1 Corinthians 13:
Love is very patient, very kind. Love knows no jealousy; love makes no parade, gives itself no airs, is never rude, never selfish, never irritated, never resentful; love is never glad when others go wrong, love is gladdened by goodness, always slow to expose, always eager to believe the best, always hopeful, always patient. Love never disappears. (vv. 4-8, Moffatt)
How many can match up to this description? In verse four the Authorized Version uses the words “is not puffed up.” One who constantly criticizes and finds fault with others is certainly puffed up, (and lacks a tremendous amount of love.) Paul wrote that the love of God never disappears. The last thing one will not do if he has the love of God will be to criticize and constantly find fault. To do otherwise is certainly a way not to be a Christian.
Never Accept Responsibility Since It Is Much Easier to Sit Back and Criticize
Who was the first man to abnegate responsibility? Adam, of course. Look what happened. “And . . . she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat ” (Gen. 3:6). Here was the penalty: “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (v. 19). In this case both were held accountable before God-all because Adam refused to accept responsibility. He blamed both God and his wife (v. 12). In effect, he was irresponsible and criticized the other parties.
No doubt the subtitle above reminds us of someone we know or once knew. It should not come as a surprise since this is a human trait, as seen at the very beginning of man’s existence. Another example of this kind of conduct is found in Exodus 32. We may recall that when Moses was on the mount, Aaron made a calf-an idol-for the children of Israel. In this case he complied with their wishes, but excused his own conduct because they insisted he make it.
And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf. (Ex. 32:21-24)
Notice, Aaron did not accept responsibility. He blamed the people, and excused himself by suppressing the truth and suggesting a falsehood. He did not object strenuously enough to the demands of the people and permitted the idolatry to take place. While it is unlikely that he participated directly in the worship, he nevertheless excused himself and criticized the people.
The fact is: We are all responsible before God for what we do. We will be personally held accountable for our works and will not be allowed to blame others. God ” . . . will render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:6). ” . . . Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Cor. 3:8). “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12).
Keep in mind that it is a carnal proclivity to refuse to accept responsibility and to sit back and criticize others. Those who do so are certainly demonstrating how not to be a Christian.
If You Do Accept Responsibility, Don’t Cooperate
If Not Asked to Help, Get Peeved About It
The New Testament emphasizes brotherhood and cooperation in God’s service. Since we are addressing church participation and service toward others, the above subtitle is most appropriate. We have all known people like those mentioned above. If they regard themselves as Christians, they are not living up to what is required. Such a spirit contributes to discord among brethren-one of the things God hates (Prov. 6:19).
There is much in the New Testament about working together in harmony. Obviously at times this was a problem, as indicated by Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:2. He wrote: “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” Obviously these ladies, most likely deaconesses, held some position of responsibility and were having some kind of disagreement. So, Paul admonished them to cooperate.
The principle of harmony is found in the Psalms. David wrote: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1). In the New Testament we read: People who refuse to accept an opportunity to serve, and then get peeved when not asked, often feel they are too important for what they are asked to do. This may be why Paul wrote: “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits” (Rom. 12:16). “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on [love], which is the bond of perfectness” (Col. 3:12-14). “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Phil. 2:2).
Jesus said that those who make peace are truly God’s children. He said: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matt. 5:9). One who strives for peace will not create discord. The Bible admonishes: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Ps. 34:14). New Testament passages include: “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19). ” . . . And be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess. 5:13). Paul’s parting words in his epistle to the Corinthians were: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11). These words are wise words indeed. The authority vested in the Church must be exercised if such a spirit of discord and lack of cooperation exists.
This is why Paul wrote the Corinthians:
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. (2 Cor. 12:20-21)
The entire key for harmony depends on a willingness to serve without seeking glory or desiring recognition. Jesus said those who truly serve Him are more than likely to be unappreciated and persecuted. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20). One should never serve for the purpose of recognition, but for a desire to genuinely help and assist others.
When Asked Your Opinion Say Nothing, But Later
Tell Others How Things Should Have Been Done
The above is an example of sheer hypocrisy. These people say one thing to a person’s face and something else to others. Many warnings about hypocrisy are given in the Bible. We read: “An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered” (Prov. 11:9). In the end the truth always prevails. Hypocrites are always exposed in the final analysis. Another text to consider is Proverbs 10:18: “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Hypocrites are often filled with resentment. However, they do not want this hatred or bitterness to be revealed. This is why they say different things to different people. They express their true feelings to those they feel will give them sympathy or in whom they can trust. Those individuals from whom they wish to hide their real feelings, they say the opposite.
Hypocrisy is all-pervasive in today’s society. A good example is that often seen in business. “It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth” (Prov. 20:14). Here is what God says about His people: “Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly . . . .” (Isa. 9:17). The fact is: Hypocrisy has been a part of this world from ancient times. We read in the book of Job: “Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?” (Job 20:4-5).
There are ample warnings as to the fate of the hypocrite. “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?” (Job 27:8-10).
Indeed, he will not.
For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers: (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart? Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water? Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish: Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web. (Job 8:8-14)
Hypocrisy is often witnessed in religion. Here is what Jesus told the religious leaders of His day: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt, 15:7-9). Their conduct was typical of hypocrites-saying one thing and doing another. It is also seen in those who constantly condemn others. They can see the flaws of others but not in themselves. “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:3-5).
This, no doubt, is why the Bible states that a hypocrite shall not come before Him (Job 13:16). Instead of concentrating on how to improve themselves, they analyze the flaws of others and generally do nothing but criticize and advise how things should be done-a prime example of how not to be a Christian.
Do Only What You Have to Do, But When Others Do the
Lion’s Share of the Work, Say the Church Is Run by a Clique
People in this category are generally lazy. They do not want to put out the effort to make church activities a success. Yet, they are perfectly willing to benefit from the efforts of others. The lazy are often a burden to others. “The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns . . . .” (Prov. 15:19). Lazy people become a millstone about the neck of the industrious because the industrious must carry the load. “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster” (Prov. 18:9). “A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again” (Prov. 19:24). The lazy will often find any excuse to avoid work “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets” (Prov. 22:13).
A lazy man who will not participate in the success of church activities, more than likely, will be lazy in other aspects of his or her life. “As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed” (Prov. 26:14).
Consider this text:
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man. (Prov. 24:30-34)
New Testament passages are clear on this matter as well. Christians are to be industrious. Here is what the Apostle Paul wrote: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11). “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:11-12). This text implies that the lazy are not willing to put out the effort required to enter the Kingdom of God. Yet, here is what Christ said: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). The meaning is: The Kingdom of heaven is gotten by men of driving force. These are not lazy men. If one is lazy, this tendency will show in all that he or she does, including doing only what one has to do in church activities.
Don’t Contribute Financially, But If
Reminded That You Should, Gripe About It
Many argue that tithing is not commanded in the New Testament. Yet, they fail to realize what Jesus said: ” . . . It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Since this text is quoted from the Old Testament, Jesus was demonstrating the validity of the Old Testament Scriptures. The Old Testament is the Word of God. The Tithing Law is clearly established in the Old Testament, but what about the New? If we are to live by every Word of God, then we must have proof that tithing is not a New Testament requirement. Jesus Himself said the Tithing Law should be obeyed. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matt. 23:23). Regardless of how one may interpret this text, both the weightier matters of the law and tithing should be done.
Some regard the ministry of Christ as the “tail end of Judaism,” that what Christ said applied only to the Jews of His day, and that the Apostle Paul is who we are to follow today. The view that we find no New Testament command to tithe fails to consider that neither do we find a New Testament command to keep the Sabbath. Yet, many Christians who keep the Sabbath do not tithe. Why the contradiction? Jesus said the Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35). He meant that it does not contradict. The Bible does not command one thing in one place, and then contradict this command in another. Since Christ was the sacrificial lamb who died for the sins of mankind, the only thing that was ever abrogated was the Sacrificial Law. The concept that Paul was the champion of Christian freedom who freed men from the laborious Jewish cocoon was a concept that originated during the second and third centuries AD, and was used to repudiate Judaistic Christianty. Judaistic Christianity, which emphasized obedience to the Law of God, was the basis of the original New Testament Church.
The New Testament teaches both the need to keep the Sabbath and to tithe. Please refer to our articles on the Sabbath and Tithing. These are found on the Church website. Regarding the matter of financially supporting the ministry and the work of God, here is what Paul said:
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (1 Cor. 9:7-14)
To avoid the accusation that he was mercenary, Paul did not at that time take tithes from the Corinthians. He admitted he received help from others churches and later asked the Corinthians to forgive him of this wrong-that is, for not taking financial support from them (2 Cor. 12:13).
He wrote the Corinthians:
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. (2 Cor. 11:7-9)
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, page 784, points out that the Greek word for “robbed” in verse eight is a highly figurative expression for Paul’s procedure in accepting financial support from certain sources (in this case the churches in Macedonia).
A cogent chapter that explains the matter of tithing is found in Hebrews seven. In verses 11-12 Paul states there was a change in the priesthood, from that of the Levitical Priesthood to that of Melchizedek. Since Christ is Melchizedek, the New Testament ministry is the recipient of tithes. The context of verse 11 demonstrates that Paul is addressing the matter of tithes and to whom those tithes should go.
As noted in the subtitle above, those who give financial support and gripe about it will find little joy in giving. Yet, the principle of giving is delineated in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Some who disagree with the need to tithe use this as an excuse not to contribute at all. But God judges the heart of each man to determine whether he is sincere or not. Regardless of how one feels about tithing, one who has a right heart will give liberally to support what he believes to be God’s Work.
Don’t Bother Being a Good Example; Let Others Do It
Many people have a desire to be good, but they do not want to do good. This characteristic is often seen in church members. Such a one believes that by associating with a church, he or she will be viewed as “a good person, and that by this means he or she will gain the approval of their peers. People who sometimes do bad things may say, “I am a good person.” Yet Jesus said there is none good but God (Matt. 19:17). Regardless of the weaknesses of the flesh, we are admonished to set a good example. Jesus said: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). What this means is that others cannot be expected to set a good example in your stead. You must do that yourself.
Many passages emphasize the necessity to set a good example. Paul actually told the Thessalonians they had done this very thing. He wrote: “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thess. 1:6-8). Paul wrote to the evangelist Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Even the Old Testament prophets are cited as an example: “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience” (Jas. 5:10).
How does one set a bad example? The answer: By not living up to what is required. An instance of a bad example is what Paul wrote about Israel during the Old Testament period.
But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (1 Cor. 10:5-11)
In brief, what happened to them was for our learning. We cannot profess Christ and make no effort to live up to what He requires. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Rom. 2:13). Yet, many believe Christians are not required to keep the Law of God. What folly!
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (Jas. 2:14-20)
We have seen from the subtitles above, there are many ways how not to be a Christian. Unfortunately many professing Christians are guilty of one or more of these. The way of error is broad, but the way of Truth is narrow. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matt. 7:13).