3 CATEGORIES OF CHRISTIANS

There are 3 categories of Christians I know said Mrs Odujoko as she leaned forward on her seat and stared into Anna’s eyes. The first category are the Christians who have the map to God tied around their neck. The map was given to them by parents, pastors or even friends. This map to God symbolizes Gods word. They just wear the map around their neck like a necklace. They don’t know how to read or use the map. They think having it in their possession is all that is to it. But that is certainly not true. Salvation cannot be inherited from a father to child, the fact you were born a Christian doesn’t mean you are saved and it doesn’t guarantee a close relationship with God.

You see as Christians we need a map to direct us to God and that map is the word of God. The map could also be lessons about God taught to us by our parents or pastors. It could also be pamphlets or writings about Gods word. Having possession of them doesn’t bring God into our heart. “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” Deuteronomy 8:3.

The second category are the Christians who have just half of the map without even knowing it is not complete. They do not know that the knowledge they have isn’t complete and they go searching for God in the wrong places. They see Christianity as a religion with rules and regulations to be adhered to strictly. Christianity is more than just a religion. It is a relationship. It is a religion given to us by our loving father Jesus to be enjoyed, an avenue where we can experience him and partake in the saving grace provided for us. These Christians see God as a Government. A Government where citizens who don’t obey rules and don’t pay taxes are locked up. Their sight of God has been crippled because they do not understand the amazing relationship God wants to have with us. They have not heard and have not seen and so they fall deep into their emptiness everyday out of self-guilt and striving for self-righteousness. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:17.

The third category are the Christians who have the full map to God. They understand the map and they know how to use it. To them, Christianity is more than a religion, it is a relationship. It is a relationship with their heavenly father. Through the scriptures they get closer to God. They talk to him and they listen to him. His amazing love overshadows them daily. They live in this world but they are not of this world and that’s why daily challenges do not get them down. Their Christian life is like a love affair, an affair between them and their maker. Blessed are these Christians for their hearts belong to God. “If you abide in my word then you are true disciple of me, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” John 8:31-32.

Which category do you fall under Anna? Mrs Odujoko asked. A startled Anna looked up without a word to utter. Her silence answered the question.

Written by Ikechi Sharon and Edited Adejugba Adeola