Lukewarm Christian?

“Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?. . .Isn’t it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works?  That the works are ‘works of faith?’. . .Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?” James 2:20-24 (MSG)

In his book “Crazy Love”, Francis Chan boldly states his belief that there is no such thing as a lukewarm Christian.  In fact, he believes the phrase is an oxymoron.  When someone truly accepts the gospel of Jesus Christ, his or her life is utterly transformed.  There is evidence of salvation, not a lack thereof.

I have to agree with him.  Though, to agree is a scary thing for me.  James is clear in his biblical writing that faith without deeds is dead.  If lukewarm Christianity doesn’t exist, then salvation is black and white.  You’re either saved and bearing spiritual fruit, or you aren’t saved and not bearing spiritual fruit.   Agreeing that ‘lukewarm Christianity’ does not exist means I have to question the salvation of many loved ones around me.  Ultimately, it is not for me to decide or judge.  It does, however, break my heart for professing Christians who fail to bear fruit for God’s glory.

Chan makes a good point:  that the first Christians didn’t name themselves–they were “called” Christians by the people around them (Acts 11:26).  The people in Antioch saw the disciples following Christ, and aptly named them.

It makes me wonder. . .if people looked at my life, would they call me a Christian?  Would they see the fruit of a life changed by God?  Or, would they see a life so like the world it is hardly distinguishable and label me a lukewarm Christian?

Dear Christian, if people looked at your life, what would they call you?