Many in America consider themselves Christians even though they have never made a profession of faith and some of them are regulars in our church houses. They are the reason many people don't go to church: they are the hypocrites. Then there are others would are truly Christians but just have never grew up. Paul called them babes. People think they are hypocrites because their actions don't always reflect their stated beliefs.
There are many Protestants who think all Catholics are lost because the Catholic Church teaches some things Protestants don't think is right. If our salvation was based on the correct interpretation of scripture than there would probably no one going to heaven for I have found that even among highly respected biblical scholars and theologians a wide range of understanding and interpretations. A babe in Christ is one who knows the fundamentals of the faith but judges others the way people judge each other and not by the way God sees us. A babe in Christ is also one who lives a life not fully surrendered as if totally surrender means defeat. Christianity is a relationship and all relationships take work. One will not be married long if one only came home once or twice a year, never contributed to the household budget, and never or seldom ever talked to their spouse. Yet that is the relationship many Christians have with God. No wonder things don't work out to good for them.
There are some people who view church attendance about the same as belonging to a social club. They go on a regular bases whether that be all the services, Sunday morning only, or just special events. Some don't go at all because they got their feelings hurt, they think the church is only after their money, or they have found other ways to satisfy their social needs and no longer view the church as a necessary outlet for human contact. Texting and facebooking without actually ever seeing another person often substitutes for social interaction. It really isn't.
I was no different than many people. I believe in Christ and I believe the bible was the word of God but I also had to live in the world. I wanted to be viewed as a good person but few like a goody-two-shoes so one learns to walk the line between what is right and socially acceptable behavior. often when one does that their life feels like a lie because they are not being true to God, to their friends, or to themselves.
It took me many years to learn that one needs to choose whom to serve. A man cannot live as part of the world and still live for Christ. I finally decided that if I was a Christian that I should jump in 100%. I don't care how pure ones motives are there will always be one to criticize, to view with distrust, or to seek to take advantage of you. It doesn't matter for I attend church because I find it a source of knowledge, strength and encouragement. I draw upon my relationship with Christ and not upon my relation or standing in the church.
Even so, life is still a battle between the spirit and the flesh. The Christian life isn't always an easy life but it is deeply satisfying. It is like having a healthy marriage: there are always temptations and discouragement out in the workplace and public places but one knows at home there is one person that understands and cares and is willing to share of themselves with you, that is dependable to give help when needed and with whom you feel an overwhelming need to love and protect.
There is no relationship more perfect than the one between a fully surrendered Christian and his savior and Lord, Christ Jesus.
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