This picture looks disgusting doesn’t it? It’s a section of swamp land that I often pass while running on a local nature trail. (I’m only showing it to make a point.)
Looking at this swamp while I was jogging recently got me thinking about what I’ll call “Swamp Christianity”.
Followers of Christ are instructed by Jesus to receive of his “living water” (John 4). However they aren’t supposed to let it stop with them. They are sent out on mission to take that “water” to others preaching the gospel in both word and deed.
Unfortunately too many Christians focus so much on getting more for themselves, that in essence they become spiritual gluttons. They take no real action to meet the spiritual drought going on in their communities, neighborhoods or campuses, but continue to try to soak up more knowledge and more religious activity for themselves.
They are like those who are “always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:7)
Just like a swamp, where water flows in but not out, these people stagnate in their faith. They don’t give-out the way that they need to in order to be truly healthy, and instead become a breeding ground for all kinds of unattractive things (ie. offense, rudeness, jealosy, spiritual pride).
Are you allowing the love of Christ and the spirit of God to flow through you, or are you a part of Swamp Christianity?