The Difference Between a Church Goer and a Christian

A funny thing happened today, however it wasn't funny haha as it was funny weird. Today at church one of out most faithful members, in attendance and service, decided to leave the worship after offering and buy a newspaper. This was something I did not notice, but my wife was downstairs with the Children's Sunday school class and noticed him leaving. When he entered the church he was carrying the Sunday paper, although he was trying to conceal it by hiding it behind him. As he walked up the stairs, my wife noticed him carrying it with him.

After the service was over, my wife noticed as she walked behind the very last row of chairs, that the paper had been opened and the sports page was laying on top. The paper was obviously being read. I did not notice this taken place, however I did think that he was sitting in an odd position in the back of the sanctuary. Evidently the Pens are more important right now than God. This same gentleman has pulled people out of church, during worship, to hold a meeting in the fellowship hall. I am familiar with Church Meetings, as in Church Camps, but this takes it to a whole new level.

What I am struggling with is people thinking that as long as they go to church they're "in." Church has become a part of the "To Do List." A Church Goer is one that uses checks church off the list as done and honors him or herself by doing a good thing. While a Christian goes to church for nurture, growth, support and to worship and honor God. I have noticed there are more Church Goers in church than there are Christians.

I have hear recently, from my wife and a dear colleague, that just because you're in a garage, doesn't make you a car. But the belief by most people is, if they attend church, then they are a Christian. Not so. A Christian is one who does not do church, but is church. A Church Goer does church. The difference again is the action of being and doing. Jesus never asked us to do church, He commanded us to be the church. How are we to be the church? It's simple.

Jesus commanded us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as our self. Simply put we are to be in koinonia with God and neighbor. If we do keep these two simple commands then we are being the church. When we love God with our heart, soul, mind or strength and love certain neighbor but mainly love ourselves, then that would make you a Church Goer, that is if you go to church. If you don't go to church, but watch it on TV at your home, then your either a shut-in or a Church Watcher. A Church Watcher is far worse than Church Goer, because there is no chance for fellowship with God and neighbor.

How does a Church Goer become a Christian? By preaching the Word, proclaiming the name of Jesus and if you have to use words. We are to love the Church Goer as Christ loves us. We cannot make them change and be Christian, we can only pray the Holy Spirit will make the change within them.

A Church Goer, Church Watcher or Church Ignorer is only one step away from being a Christian. There was a time in which we all had to take that step and now we have to show the love of Jesus so others will follow and take their step.