Consumer Christian #1 - Holiness

What is a Consumer Christian?
One way of looking at it is what Dallas Willard (an American philosopher and Christian writer) describes as “Vampire Christians”. He writes:

“ One, in effect, says to Jesus: “I’d like a little of your blood, please. But I don’t care to be your student or have your character. In fact, won’t you just excuse me while I get on with my life, and I’ll see you in heaven.” But is this really acceptable to Jesus?”

In short, Consumer Christians do not take holiness seriously, because faith is what they receive, not how they obey. Faith is about what they can get, but little about what they can give and sacrifice. They have Jesus as Saviour, but not Lord of their lives. The cross becomes a vending machine, rather than an example for life. 

But God’s word tells us that we are to “put off the old self… and put on the new” (Eph 4:22-24), we are to be “holy for Yahweh is holy” (1 Pet 1:16), Christ has ‘saved us and called us into a holy life” (2 Tim1:9).  

How does this influence CY?

• When we share the gospel with others as salvation to heaven, but neglect obedience in faith in our everyday lives.
• When we neglect our personal spiritual walk - in disciplines of prayer, repentance and bible reading.
• When we neglect personal holiness and let sin slide without repentance, because it’s “insignificant” or “too small.”  
• When we live a double life outside of church and ministry.
• When we gossip, slander, neglect to show grace and forgiveness, complain or hold grudges.  

For Reflection:

1. Are there areas in your life where you are a “Vampire Christian”? What do you need to repent of and change?
2. How is your personal spiritual walk going? What habits or disciplines do you need to work on?
3. Consider how you can encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ in their personal holiness. How do you interact with them? What do you talk about?