Webster’s Dictionary defines “generic” as “not being or having a particular brand name; having no particularly distinctive quality or application.”
What a strong indictment it would be upon believers if we were to call ourselves Christians but not have the name of Jesus branded upon us. We can ill-afford to be generic or have a mediocre, pedestrian approach to our faith. There must be something about us that sticks out from everyone else: Our authenticity and our identity.
I Peter 2:9 states, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
In the book of Jude, we are given a warning of diabolical false teachers who had infiltrated the body of Christ. The singular chapter encourages the reader to grow and mature spiritually and rescue those who have been seduced by any who haven’t fully embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jude 17-23: “But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts. These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.”
The writer Jude gives us a preview of ‘generic Christians’:
It is no secret that we as believers will encounter individuals who would desire a position in the church but will neglect the main attributes of a Christian: loving their neighbor, tending to the needs of the poor, and being selfless. There will be those who will turn their back on the truth and embrace what’s politically and culturally correct. There will also be those who will declare that the Bible isn’t totally accurate or applicable to today’s issues.
But be not dismayed! There is another class of people. These people will be:
These believers will realize that the cornerstone of their faith is Jesus Christ, and they will seek His delight and not the world’s admiration. They will seek the approval of God and not a President.
The Scripture tells us how we will know those who are generic from the name brand:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”— Matthew 7:15-20.
So here are questions for you to consider:
God wants warriors, not whiners. He desires laborers, not just moochers.
Demetrius Minor is a minister, author, and political commentator. He is a former radio talk show host and television personality. He is also a member of the Project 21 advisory board of black conservative leaders across the United States. He and his wife, Riesa, serve on the leadership staff at Tampa Life Church in Tampa, FL.
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