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For the sake of anonymity, let us assume that my friend’s name is Rufus and the tenant’s name is Sarah. It so happened that Mrs. Rufus’ children and Sarah’s children were in the same age range, five to seven years. One day, while playing in Grandma’s (the landlady’s) sitting room, one of the children climbed a balustrade, fell, and nearly hit his head on Grandma’s television.
As a mother, Mrs. Rufus disciplined the children by giving them each a gentle spank on the buttocks. Her children quickly settled down, but Sarah’s son, acting out like a spoiled child, ran crying to his mother.
Sarah stormed out to confront Mrs. Rufus, warning her vehemently that she would physically fight her if she ever touched her children again. She even threatened to forsake Christianity to deal with Mrs. Rufus.
I later learned that this woman is a ‘Christian leader with good standing’ in her church, which happens to be one of the major churches in Nigeria. She doesn’t wear earrings and covers her hair with a scarf at all times. This is a sad case, as it seems she hasn’t worked on her anger despite advancing from level one in Practical Christianity. She could throw punches publicly without any remorse.
The length of service in God’s ministry is not the issue here but rather the question of Christian growth and maturity.
They Read but Do Not Study the Bible
In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit led Philip to join the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch as he returned from worshiping in Jerusalem. This eunuch, who managed the treasury of Candace, Queen of Ethiopia, had recently converted during Philip’s ministry but didn’t fully understand the Scriptures he was reading (Acts 8:27-30).
The Bible instructs believers to study, not merely read, the Scriptures. A Christian who reads but does not study the Bible risks misunderstanding God’s commands, misinterpreting the Word, and misapplying biblical principles.
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV)
A well-discipled Christian understands the importance of an orderly approach to Bible study, which enables him to grasp the Spirit behind the words (2 Corinthians 3:6).
I once belonged to a WhatsApp group where Christian leaders gathered to discuss biblical topics. There was a brother in the group who often asked questions that a ‘kindergarten Christian’ would not ask.
For instance, he once asked why no one could punish God when He was angry, yet God held us accountable for our sins. His views on money were also highly carnal, and he spoke as if he worshiped wealth.
Seeing that he needed guidance, I confided in one of the group’s leaders, suggesting he be discipled. Unfortunately, the leader dismissed my concern, describing the brother as a “typical agnostic” and assuring me he could handle it. Personally, I felt we should have guided him on how to study the Scriptures meaningfully as a Christian.
Reading is merely gathering information, whereas studying is acquiring knowledge for personal growth and transformation.
Prayers and Fasting
This type of Christian resists prayer and fasting, especially when the church organizes a period of fasting and prayer, such as at the start of each year. He identifies as a Christian, yet openly criticizes such solemn gatherings.
I was once in this category until I listened to a teaching by one of my spiritual mentors on the power of corporate prayer. He taught that if a member cannot participate in a church-organized fasting program, they should inform their pastor. When members agree to participate, there’s a binding commitment; if someone opts out without good reason, it can affect the outcome of the program.
This type of Christian complains of dizziness or imaginary ailments even before fasting begins.
“Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)
The Spirit Is Willing but the Flesh Is Weak
This Christian openly complains about how long Sunday services last. Statements like, “Did I kill Jesus?” are common.
These are Christians who would rather skip church to watch televised football matches. He will proudly tell others that he won’t miss a game for anything (Matthew 26:36-45).
He doesn’t see a reason to respect the church’s leadership and feels comfortable choosing entertainment over worship. In this, he mirrors those who “love the world” (1 John 2:16). Brother Demas, for instance, abandoned Apostle Paul to “enjoy the pleasures of this world” (2 Timothy 4:10).
This brother doesn’t care if others know he skips church for trivial pursuits. He doesn’t realize that he’s falling asleep on the battlefield of faith.
To be continued.
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