1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
There are many who claim to know the Lord, but deny Him within their hearts. There will be people who take up pastorship solely as a means of income, nothing more. And yet there will be those who abuse their positions and influence, swaying the crowds with ungodly words. And yet, there are many more 'christians' in church simply looking for a soulmate. But it is not up to me to judge these people, nor condemn them, as only God can see the truth of a man's heart, and maybe even use them for God's own glory.
They say actions speak louder than words. But yet, our actions do not always correspond with our beliefs.
As such, it is possibly easier to identify 'false' christian testimonies, rather than identifying a false christian. The christian who gets dead drunk in clubs; the christian who changes girlfriends like clothes, the christian who is a habitual liar... Bad testimonies, christian or non-christian.
Sadly though, more of us give testimonies which are not befitting of christians. And sometimes, the line between a rightful testimony and a wrong one gets blurred, especially in this world where many sins are now norm.
I wonder what impressions I've given others as a christian?
A hypocrite for falling short of much that I have written?
A trumpet making noise with little biblical knowledge?
A wayward person for materialistic and self-centered actions?
A mouse for not standing courageously for my beliefs?
I think I am all of them. But God is changing me, little by little, as droplets of water shape stone, and I will emerge a greater person.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I've experienced how God had helped me in times I least expected, when I've given up any expectations of matters and left it entirely in God's hands. I've also seen God's gracious hand among those whom have committed their lives to God, considering Him in EVERY aspect of their life. It is simply amazing.
Truly, if we seek God first in every matter, to commit every matter into His hands and trust His plans for us, He will surely add blessings onto us.