The Ideal..... (Full Version)

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pstrdebi -> The Ideal..... (6/22/2008 11:36:42 PM)

... Christian.

Ok... so as I was replying to another poster, I asked the question...

"So just what is the ideal Christian" (or something like that)

We all have our opinions of what annoys us, ie: pompousness, apathy, wishy-washy folks, and the like...

So what do we think a "real" "true" "Christian" looks like?
[:D]



LCannon -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 12:15:41 AM)

A true saint of Jehovah looks like James 1:22-"...be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing. 26 If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 [True]Religion is pure and undefiled before [the Eternal God, His Son as the God of Redemption and His Holy Spirit of Conviction]and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction[, comfort and help]and to keep oneself unstained from the world."



Giulia -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 7:18:08 AM)

For me a true Christian is one who is Christian in the heart. Sometimes that doesn't look like "normal Christians" do at all. It is a transformation of the heart which gives the timid and weak boldness and strength. It is a light within which lights up the face of a mourner. It is the acceptance a person rejected by the world feels which tells them they no longer have to seek the approval of man because He will be the one giving the praises from now on.

Sometimes this light within which purifies takes some time to seep through the whole being. The person may still have traits of a non-christian and may even be rejected by the church. It usually happens that way because no servat is greater than his master and Jesus went through rejection and so will we. Even by the church, in some cases.

A true Christian doesn't look like anything because a true Christian is way more than any set of traits or marks which many would attribute to a christian. A true Christian cannot put it on or learn the way they should be because they have been planted and God will do the changing in His time and His terms.

I have met "christians" who put on all the traits of a "christian" but have not got Christ in their hearts and some of those are worse than the devil. Scary but true. We are told to "put on Christ daily" but if you haven't first been granfted onto the vine via the new birth it will be futile to try this and if they do try it will just be pretending and not true.



URForgiven -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 9:36:19 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pstrdebi


So what do we think a "real" "true" "Christian" looks like?
[:D]




Jesus Christ.


Peace



Liveloved -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 10:21:34 AM)

quote:

quote:

ORIGINAL: pstrdebi


So what do we think a "real" "true" "Christian" looks like?







Jesus Christ.


I'm with URForgiven. The "real" "true" Christian looks like Jesus.

That said though, I think one of the goals of the Christlife is to get over what annoys us. Most of that is flesh coming against flesh---so our being annoyed shows just how fleshly we are and how unlike Christ we are.

That's what the crucified life is all about. Giving up the 'me' and all of the petty little things that irritate me.

And it's about loving others and believing FOR them. Oh, I am talking about something that is SO very difficult. It is much easier to condemn and judge and put them down and give up on them. (And I am very much speaking to myself now. I have a friend who I think I've given up on.[sm=crystreams.gif] And I'm calling that sin.)

Some who profess to be Christians aren't. I would say many. But what I see most of all among Christians is a hard, judgmental heart. And that is not Jesus at all. And that's why He has so much work to do in me. My 'bent' is to be hard and judgmental---just like a good Pharisee. But Jesus says to understand what this means, "I desire compassion and not a sacrifice" so I am continuing to learn His ways and give up mine.

Bless you for the question, debi. It is something we all need to ponder on and think about especially regarding our own lives.[:)] LL



SonInMe1 -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 10:36:37 AM)

Trying to find what is "ideal" about christians is impossible since there are more than one kind.

The immature.

The new christian.

The poorly discipled christian.

The poorly taught christian.

The sincere but wrong christian.

A mature christian.

Its not an either or situation. A new christian is just as saved as the seasoned saint however he might exhibit different charactoristics...for a time.

Some have been raised christian before they even knew who Jesus was.

Some came late without a clue who Jesus was growing up and have a bunch of baggage.

There might not be an ideal christian but there is a standard.

Fruits of the spirit.

Spiritual gifts.

Other centered.

Generosity.

...and the number one trait of all christians worldwide is....being kind to me. Its somewhere in the bible....somewhere.

[:D]



deliveredarling -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 11:50:40 AM)

A true Christian can look like many things. The mold being Jesus Christ. I guess the real answer lies in how we behave when no one is looking. Are our desire still the same when we have only One watching? We see many who are noble. We see many who have special giftings that make us think they have a secret line tapped straight to God. If our light shines before men, we will know who is true and who is false. He always reveals what is in the dark. we know His voice and respond to it.



mvic -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 11:56:53 AM)

I'll always be kind to you SoninMe; because it says in the Bible "love thy neighbour". Although my real next door neighbour insists on parking his car infront of my drive and blocks me in. This makes it difficult for me to love him as Jesus asked. So I suppose I am not the ideal Christian.

Back to topic: the ideal Christian in my mind is someone who is like Christ Himself. I've only known one such person.

He was always, kind, calm, serene and at peace with himself and the world. He never ever lost his temper or raised his voice; even though he had many reasons to. He was always forgiving, even though he was hurt badly by others many times.

How did he do this I don't know. The Holy Spirit helped him perhaps.



Little_1 -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 1:15:06 PM)

I don't know what they'd look like physically but spiritually - they would be mature.



Liveloved -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 1:16:57 PM)

quote:

...and the number one trait of all christians worldwide is....being kind to me. Its somewhere in the bible....somewhere.


You're absolutely right! It's called love. Love one another. Jesus said it more than once. It's very important. . . that we love you. . . and ALL of our brothers and sisters. (Hope that doesn't burst your bubble but I did just lump you together with others.[sm=wink.gif])



rcjames -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 1:57:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pstrdebi
So what do we think a "real" "true" "Christian" looks like?
[:D]


(Luk 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Folks who are obedinet to Christ (New Testament).

Thanks
RC

Pstrdebi

Am in the process of replying ot your PM.

Thanks
RC



URForgiven -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 1:59:17 PM)

If Jesus is our example, if He is the ideal, then if we honestly compare ourselves to Him...we all fall short of the ideal. This is our common bond as Christians. It is not so much who is a 'real' Christian, as it is, are you being a Christian who is real?

Peace



pstrdebi -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 3:28:54 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

Trying to find what is "ideal" about christians is impossible since there are more than one kind.

The immature.

The new christian.

The poorly discipled christian.

The poorly taught christian.

The sincere but wrong christian.

A mature christian.

Its not an either or situation. A new christian is just as saved as the seasoned saint however he might exhibit different charactoristics...for a time.

Some have been raised christian before they even knew who Jesus was.

Some came late without a clue who Jesus was growing up and have a bunch of baggage.

There might not be an ideal christian but there is a standard.

Fruits of the spirit.

Spiritual gifts.

Other centered.

Generosity.


This is good.

quote:


...and the number one trait of all christians worldwide is....being kind to me. Its somewhere in the bible....somewhere.

[:D]


Oh yeah... that's in 2 Opinions 3:1 [:D]



Liveloved -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 3:39:04 PM)

quote:

It is not so much who is a 'real' Christian, as it is, are you being a Christian who is real?


Oh I like this, URForgiven! Excellent distinction. And real requires honesty, truthfulness. His pathways are in the hearts of those who are real, honest, truthful with Him and with others. Thank you for this---it so goes with what He was teaching/talking to me about this morning. Bless you![:)]



pstrdebi -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 3:52:05 PM)

Hi LL...

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

That said though, I think one of the goals of the Christlife is to get over what annoys us. Most of that is flesh coming against flesh---so our being annoyed shows just how fleshly we are and how unlike Christ we are.


I understand what you are saying, however, Christ was annoyed too. Remember, He lifted His hands and said to His disciples; "How long must I put up with you stiff-necked people?" Even when we are annoyed or angry (as long as we don't sin in that annoyance or anger) we still can be like Jesus. He experienced all of the same things we do, yet without sin. That is the part we need to be truly concerned with... not sinning in it. [&o]

quote:


And it's about loving others and believing FOR them. Oh, I am talking about something that is SO very difficult. It is much easier to condemn and judge and put them down and give up on them. (And I am very much speaking to myself now. I have a friend who I think I've given up on.[sm=crystreams.gif] And I'm calling that sin.)


LL... condemning, no. But judging... Jesus tells us to judge our "brethren." And you shouldn't call this sin (giving up on them) I don't believe in your heart you have given up (what little I know of you, you don't appear to be that way) but Jesus tells us a number of times in different ways that our job (our part of the process in that person)is through. I'll point out 3. 1st... He tells us in not to cast our pearls before swine. This is someone who doesn't want to listen to you... your "pearls" are holy and shouldn't be trampled underfoot. 2nd... He tells us that if the person continues to turn from the Word, He will turn them over to the tormentor that they may come to repentance. And He also tells us some plant, some water, some harvest. I'm not sure where your friend is or what catagory, if any, they fall into... But God has heard your prayers... and He will be faithful to answer. Your prayers will not fall to the ground, and they do not fall on deaf ears. It just may be that someone else needs to do the cultivating from here on out.

quote:


so I am continuing to learn His ways and give up mine.


We will be doing this until the rapture!
(yes... I'm pre-trib... yes... I believe we will see the rapture in this genertion!)
[:D]



mvic -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 4:11:13 PM)

Hi pstrdebi,

Could you please explain what is "pre-trib"? Thanx.

Also, you say we will see the rapture in this generation. Do you mean the end of the world will be in the next 20 to 30 years?

Sorry if I'm going off-topic.



pstrdebi -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 4:50:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic

Hi pstrdebi,

Could you please explain what is "pre-trib"? Thanx.


Christians will either believe that the rapture will take place "pre-trib" meaning before the great 7 year tribulation; "mid-trib" meaning they think it will take place during the 7 year tribulation; or "post-trib" meaning they think it will take place after. I believe it's "pre-trib."

quote:


Also, you say we will see the rapture in this generation. Do you mean the end of the world will be in the next 20 to 30 years?

Sorry if I'm going off-topic.


I think it's a great possibility that WE as Christians will be raptured during that time since many prophesies have been fulfilled and there are not many left to be fulfilled. The earth will still be here after we are raptured, and unfortunately, many of those who do not believe... those that will be "left behind." It won't be the end of the world... yet. But it will be hell on earth... and I don't want to be here.

(going back on topic.....)
That is why we need to daily seek Him, look for Him... being a "church" without "spot or blemish".... persevering to be an "ideal" Christian.
[;)]



Liveloved -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 6:15:57 PM)

quote:

It just may be that someone else needs to do the cultivating from here on out.


That really is where I have left her---but I am judging my own attitude toward her. I have not lovingly left her. I have angrily left her, or impatiently left her. Yes, perhaps it is going to be someone else's work from now on.

And, yes, I agree that we are to judge. But I think we are too hard on others and easy on ourselves (in general).

I believe if the church lived and walked in repentance, confessing our sin rather than covering it up or denying it, we would have more power. Unbelievers see the incongruity and turn away.

So I ask the Lord to search MY heart each and every morning and show me anything He wants to deal with in me. I want to walk as a child of the Light.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. Blessings your way[:)], LL



mvic -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/23/2008 7:36:27 PM)

Thanx pstrdebi.



pstrdebi -> RE: The Ideal..... (6/24/2008 11:16:09 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic

Thanx pstrdebi.


You're welcome!
God bless!
[:D]



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