Are you a normal Christian?! What is normal Christianity? Is it the average we see in the Christian Church today? No – sadly that can be very subnormal. What characteristics does the Bible teach a normal Christian will show? Here are some:
Yearning for God: a real, regular thirsting to know God more, a hungering and thirsting after being righteous (Psalms 42:2; 63:1 143:6 Matt.5:6 Jn.7:57)
Wholeheartedly obedient to God: i.e. loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Deut.6:5; Matt.7:21; Phil.3:7-8)
Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit: i.e. aiming to be “pure and blameless” (Gal.5:22-25; Phil. 2:14-15; 2 Pet.3:14)
Effective in good works: i.e. doing the works Jesus did (Jn.l4:l2; 15:5, 7, l6).
Resolutely resisting sin: even “to the point of shedding your blood” (Heb.l2:4)
Growing in assurance of being accepted by God: i.e. knowing you have eternal life because you know the Holy Spirit is within you. (Rom.8:15-16; Gal.4:6; 1 Jn.3:24; 4:13) and you have put your trust in Jesus (John 3:16).
Gaining victory over Satan: i.e. being “sober” and ‘vigilant” concerning Satan’s reality, for “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him firm in your faith!’ (1 Peter 5:8-9; Eph.6:12)
Putting Christ before material possessions: and trusting him to provide (Mt 6:33)
Conscious of inner power:from the Spirit who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. (Eph.3:18-20)
Constant in believing prayer:a prayerful attitude to the whole of life. (Jn.l5:7; l Thess.5:17)
Enthusiastic in witness: not being able to keep quiet about the Lord! (Acts 1:8, 4:20)
Rejoicing amidst troubles: knowing God is in control and He is love (Rom.5:3-4; I Peter 4:12-13)
Coveting the gifts of the Spirit: “coveting” is the Bible word (1 Cor.12:31; 14:1,12)
Some people think these characteristics are extreme or only for “special” Christians, but they are normal characteristics. Do you want them? Read the Bible references to stimulate your faith (Rom. 10:17) and ask God daily to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
© Tony Higton: see conditions for reproduction