Christians are – according to the Scripture – people who have been “born again” through the power of God. They have received Christ as both Lord and Savior, and, according to the Scripture:

John 1:12-13 …. as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

Christians are “born of God’s Spirit”, brought into His Family by adoption, God’s Children by faith. They are “new creatures in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15), driven by love as Christ was driven by love. This is what the Bible says. If this is so, then why are so many who profess Christ creatures, not new creatures? Some “Christians” are like locusts, the scourges of the Bible. They hop into a Church, blessing the heart of the pastor and flock at first, for any addition is a blessing in a small family. They consume resources, but never tithe nor decide to give to the work of the ministry. Like locusts they eat and eat, consuming resources but never replacing them. Then one day, like the locust hoard, they hop away to another Church. They never tell the pastor or flock why they left. In their wake they consumed the pastor’s time – hours and hours in counseling and services. They consumed the Church’s time by projects they started but never continued. They left a hole in the hearts of the people and never an explanation. Hopity hop. Time to consume again.

Other “Christians” are like vultures, carrion eaters. When  they first come to the Church they look good, soaring in, almost like eagles. They give a good portion to the ministry, and seem to be at every service. Then they start skipping services. The pastor sends cards and tries calling, and they pop back a little here and there – but are never consistent. Then they stop coming to Church … that is, until a problem happens. When a disturbance comes and a “business meeting” is scheduled these carrion birds pop in, squawk, and add to the fire. They feed on the trouble, nibbling at the pastor and the flock. They have no right to do so but because they “are on the roll” of the Church they have a vote and have a say. They nibble and bite, and, if the Church splits or the pastor dies, they fly away to tell others how “good” they were and how “bad” everyone else was. The story is just so juicy. They are the close relatives of the “Christians” who are like piranhas. These are the ones who do nothing but sit back and pick – pick – pick at every problem they see in the Church. They look good in the services, but once they swim home they get on the phone with their other piranha friends and pick. I had one lady tell me at a Church oddly named “Good Hope” that “this is what we love to do after Sunday dinner. We get together and pick the sermon and the pastor apart!” Piranhas and Vultures destroy Churches, and destroy its witness in the neighborhood.

Then there are the Christians that are like “Mocking Birds”. These are very pretty, lovely to look at, yet have no gumption, no backbone. They imitate good Christians, imitate bad Christians, imitate the lost. They are imitators, of little use in the Kingdom of God. If they would imitate Christ they would be great assets. But they bend and twist with the slightest breeze, going with the flow, following the crowd. Someone says “I know the Bible speaks against sexual sin, but we will gain more members if we look the other way”. The Mocking Birds reply, “Look the other way”. Another says, “A woman should have a right to do with her body as she pleases. Support abortion.” The Mocking Bird replies, “Support Abortion”. They will not stand against anything, but stand for everything. This is their way.

Then there are Christians who are like “Fire Ants”. They appear peaceful until you step on their mound where they are resting. All of a sudden, they are all over you! I have stood at the door of the Church greeting people as they leave when a few fire ants come up and start chewing on me. They rake me up one side and down the other for some perceived slight, then while I (or you) are in shock, stalk angrily away. These same ants often wonder why they aren’t used in the Church more – why they aren’t on a Committee or asked their opinion. Frankly, it’s because I’m scared of them! No one likes to be ant bit!

Then there’s the Christian who doesn’t mind coming to Church, but doesn’t want to do anything. These are like “Sloths”. They hang around doing nothing, and will cause no trouble lest you try to change their traditions. These are the ones who refuse to move from their God ordained pew – you know, the one that has their name on it. Their favorite song is “I shall not be moved” – and they mean it. They are happy with their status quo, happy with things the way they are – just leave them alone.

Then there are the Biblical Christians, those who soar like the Eagles. No, I don’t mean the Rock Band “The Eagles”, but who “Mount up on wings and soar for the Lord”. They are great testimonies to the saving power of Christ. They are blessings to the pastor, for they want to rise up and work. They are blessings to God for they want to be above the world and sin. They guard and protect the Church of God because they are uplifted by the Word of God. It is such a joy to have these types of “New Creatures” in the Church. If there were more of these, this Pastor would consume less bottles of Tums every week. Oh, how majestic are those who love the Lord and are not ashamed to show it!