The Oxy-Moron of Them All

 I recall being immature in Christ when I heard the phrase, carnal Christian. It was something that caused an expression of concern because it is everything as believer we weren't supposed to be but also everything that we are. It was a rudimentary crude way of defining an oxy-moron. This phrase I heard came from a well known tele-evangelist to this day still uses that term. In the context that the evangelist was using it, I wondered if anyone else was perplexed. You see unless it is saturated in the Word, it is undoubtedly drenched in error (1 John 4:1-6 AMP).

To explain this point clearly and what it has to do with Christian singles is recollecting an episode of a well known but since cancelled television show, NYPD Blue. The episode is found in season 5 (aired in 1997, entitled Lost Israel - part 2), where there was a homeless mute man being used as a witness to a scene that Lt. Sipowicz was investigating. The only way the man could communicate to tell the detective what he needed was through the bible. The man would point at a particular passage and the detective would read it and become increasingly frustrated. Tried as he might Lt Sipowicz couldn't get what was right in front of his face. Annoyed at his attempts he threw the bible down and looked at his co-workers embarrassed at his unprofessional behavior but explained, "it has to be in you to understand it...it has to be in you." Personally, that was a powerful statement. How many of us have stumbled on the Word and used it out of context or not used it at all yet believing our actions are justified when saying it is all in love with absolutely no proof (Matthew 3:2-10AMP)?

What if your potential spouse decides to bend the rules because everyone else is doing it? Just because it is acceptable in society doesn't mean God is pleased with the behavior. Do you think modest apparel is just about the clothes you wear (1 Peter 3:2-4 AMP)? What difference does it make when you wear what makes you happy? What if you dressed modestly but drove a large expensive car? Does it make a difference? Why do you suppose God called for us to be moderately dressed? Can you be moderately dressed with large ornate jewelry, living in a mansion, fly a jet rather than using the airline with everyone else, and only associate with those that have the same income status as you (Philippians 2:1-5 AMP)? Does that question make you uncomfortable and challenges your principles? Is that being carnal or Christian because it cannot be both (Matthew 6:24 AMP)!

Celebrities had people thinking about being as skinny as Twiggy back in the 60's. Who ever

would have thought that when Queen Latifah asked in a movie if her butt looked big and the answer she received was yes, would start the movement to be comfortable in what ever size you are? It's just been recently, celebrities are back to making themselves as skinny as possible. Taking a  weight loss drug that is for those suffering from diabetes 2; yet once known that weight loss is a side affect too, everyone jumped on the bandwagon to the point where there are shortages for those that really need it to the extent that other pharmaceuticals have made their own versions. Who did the tests for the copy cat drug as it was done on the first one? Is it safe? Once getting to the desired weight, can the consumer stop taking the drug or will he/she have to be weaned off? Will the weight come back? Who cares? Being bone thin is in! It's acceptable again...until it isn't. So what? It's not hurting anyone - right? Is that being carnal or a Christian (Ephesians 2:1-3 AMP)? Were you on that bandwagon (Matthew 7:13-13 AMP)?

The Word tells us if your decision is as the wind blows (whatever is trending), you are free to do what you will (Ephesians 4:14 AMP)...but a double minded man should not expect anything from the Lord (James1:6-8 AMP). When God says "all" in a particular verse, we run around the church praising God for the blessing. You know what I mean. The verse where God wishes above all things that you be in health and prosper even as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2 AMP). What did you hear in that verse? God would have you to prosper! It's what gets the emotions high. Look for that blessing! But when a verse is just as c0lear with receiving nothing from the Lord....do we understand what nothing means?

In the previous entry entitled, Presumed to be Fruitful, there are a series of questions that can be asked to your intended. It is for you to understand who you are really deciding to be your spouse for the rest of your life and if this person is there to help be a support or just weigh down all of your efforts until you quit. Doing things that have nothing to do with God is like carrying an unnecessary weight until you can't. Know that everyone that calls themselves a Christian, doesn't have it in them to be one. You know the tree by the fruit it bares. If the tree has no fruit, remember what Jesus did and move on (Mark 11:12-14; 11:20-21 AMP). There is no such thing as a carnal Christian. God isn't bending the rules for anyone. You cannot serve both God and mammon. If you hear a pastor or tele-evangelist tell you otherwise, pray for them and for you to find a bible-based, God-fearing clergy that is steadfast in the Word. Selah.