Let us consider some of the quotes below:

“I am a spiritual person; I just don’t consider myself a Christian”

“God is not strict so I can misbehave, and you dare not judge me,

“There are shades of grey in Christianity, being a Christian is never black or white”

“Your opinions mean you are judging me, and the Bible says Judge not so that you will not be judged”

Yes, God gives us free will but let’s not forget that the Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:19. NKJV Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Also, we can justify our actions with grace, but the Bible says, “shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Paul replied with God forbid (Romans 6:1) If as a Christian, I can go around to commit atrocities, then what exactly sets me apart as a Christian?

Pastor Robert Madu said, “there are a lot of atrocities that people commit in the name of thus sayeth the lord.” I can justify drinking myself to stupor with Jesus turning water to wine, but conveniently ignore the verse in Ephesians 5:18 NLT that reads“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit”. Remember, even the devil quoted the scriptures to tempt Jesus, that means everyone can choose to use the word of God as they want.

Twisting God’s word to support a bad decision or action does not make that decision or action right, what is wrong will always be wrong. God is merciful and he is a good father—He sent his own son to die for us when we were yet sinners—but when we keep shifting the goal to accommodate terrible actions, are we striving to become like him? Or we just want to live exactly like those in the world and then pop in one or two scriptures to support our actions? Again, what exactly sets you apart as a Christian?

If we look at 2 Corinthians 12: 1-9, Paul spoke about an awesome encounter he had with God—an experience that he should boast about. To keep him humble, God gave him a thorn in his flesh. What was the purpose of this thorn you may ask? God replied, “I am all you need, my power shows up best in weak people; and thus, when I am humanly weak, then I am strong through Christ”

The less I have, the more I depend on Him. This is to emphasize that we have the thorns that keep us grounded and dependent on God, and when we glorify God that is when God’s power shows strongly in our lives. God gives us the tools and support we need to make it through a world filled with temptations and plagues. But when you paint the weakness grey, refuse to even acknowledge God in your circumstance, how then do you bring God in?

God has given us a choice today and the book of Revelations 3:20 says I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me. Will you let Him in?

Lastly, when a Christian falls, the Bible says we should restore that person in a spirit of gentleness considering oneself lest you also be tempted (Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV). When we see a brother struggling or learn that someone has fallen, that is not the time to drag them in front of the firing squad or hurl insults at them. My Mother will say we are the bibles that people read now, and our actions can bring people closer or lead them away from God. God loves everyone and one mistake should not be a reason to permanently condemn someone.

In conclusion, we are in the end times and the signs all around us clearly show Jesus is coming soon. There is no time to be a woke christian, be a christian in every way and stay ready for the second coming of Christ. Be humble, be compassionate, learn to forgive, depend on God, glorify God in all you do. These are some of the things that set us apart as christians. Whatever you do, be the person that stands out and when you sin, go to God in prayers.