Church Face vs Secular Face

"Father God, please guide me as I write this article based on Your Word. Help me to write this to glorify You, and let Your words bring clarity to those who seek You. May Your truth help people discern and embrace correct beliefs. I pray and seek everything in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Hi there my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! As Christians, we often find ourselves living two different lives: one that we display at church and another that manifests in our secular environments. On Sundays, surrounded by fellow believers, we are polite, calm, patient, friendly, and loving. We embody the fruits of the Spirit effortlessly. However, during the weekdays, amidst the pressures of work, family, and societal expectations, maintaining this same demeanor can be incredibly challenging. This dichotomy—our “church face” versus our “secular face”—is a common struggle. Yet, there is hope for consistency, and it lies not in our efforts but in a deeper, more personal relationship with the Lord.

The Inability to Hold on to Good Nature

Why do we struggle to maintain our Christian virtues outside the church walls? There are several factors:

1. Environmental Influence

The environment plays a significant role in shaping our behaviour. In church, the atmosphere is conducive to spiritual growth. We are encouraged, supported, and surrounded by like-minded individuals. In contrast, the secular world is often fraught with stress, conflict, and negativity, which can hinder our ability to exhibit Christ-like qualities.

2. Human Effort

Relying solely on our strength to maintain a Christ-like demeanour is bound to lead to failure. As humans, we are inherently flawed and prone to sin. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Our best efforts will always fall short without divine intervention.

3. Spiritual Neglect

Our spiritual health directly impacts our behaviour. When we neglect our spiritual practices—such as prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with other believers—we become spiritually weak. This weakness manifests in our inability to reflect Christ in our daily lives.

The Solution: Consistency Through Communion with God

While it may seem impossible to bridge the gap between our church face and secular face, it is achievable through a consistent and intimate relationship with God. Here’s how we can strive for consistency:

1. Abide in Christ

John 15:4-5 provides the key to consistency: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Abiding in Christ means maintaining a close, personal relationship with Him through daily prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking His guidance in all areas of life.

2. Rely on the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith consistently. Galatians 5:16 says, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." When we rely on the Holy Spirit, He produces the fruit of the Spirit in us—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

3. Seek Accountability

Surround yourself with fellow believers who can hold you accountable and encourage you in your walk with God. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

4. Practice Humility and Repentance

Acknowledge that you cannot achieve consistency on your own and be quick to repent when you fall short. James 4:10 reminds us, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." God’s grace is sufficient, and He is faithful to forgive and restore us when we come to Him in humility.

5. Live Out Your Faith

Integrate your faith into every aspect of your life. Colossians 3:17 encourages us, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Whether at work, at home, or in social settings, strive to reflect Christ in your actions and interactions.

Wrapping up

The struggle to maintain a consistent Christian demeanor in both church and secular settings is real and challenging. However, it is not insurmountable. By abiding in Christ, relying on the Holy Spirit, seeking accountability, practicing humility, and integrating our faith into every aspect of our lives, we can bridge the gap between our church face and secular face.

Remember, consistency in our Christian walk is not about perfection but about progress and dependence on God. As we spend time in His presence and allow Him to work in us, He will transform us from the inside out. Philippians 1:6 reassures us, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Let us strive to be the same person on Monday as we are on Sunday, not through our efforts but through the power and presence of God in our lives. In doing so, we will reflect His love and grace to the world, bringing glory to His name.