Selected (With Additions by Gary W. Summers)
Did you know there are different types of Christians described in the Bible? There are the strong and the weak (Rom. 15:1); the spiritual and the carnal (1 Cor. 3:1); the hot and the cold (Rev. 3:15); and the stable and the unstable (Eph. 4:14-16). There are still others to add to the list. Following are a few more that you may have run into.
There is the fictional Christian. This individual is a Christian only in his own mind and by his own definition. He seldom attends, never contributes, and has forgotten how to work. His loftiest goal is to maintain his name on the church roll. Not too many of these are found in the New Testament since it deals with fact not fiction. Jesus said, “He that is not with Me is against Me; and He that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30). One is either in or out. Some who are out may regard themselves as in, but that is self-delusional. Jesus once asked, “And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). One cannot disregard the Lord’s will regarding worship and service and be considered a Christian, unless it’s a fiction story.
There is the frictional Christian. Whether intentionally or not, this person rubs everyone the wrong way. Is it the abrasive personality that causes this reaction, or is it the fact that he or she does not think before speaking? A healthy dose of love, thoughtfulness, and kindness would go a long way in effecting a cure (Eph. 4:32).
There is the fractional Christian. These kind of people attend a fraction of the time although no one would be able to predict when. They expect everyone to stand up and cheer when they bless the congregation with their presence. The fractional Christian is a part-time disciple (which is a contradiction in terms). They probably can talk a good case of Christianity (1 John 3:16). Religion is something they leave at the building as soon as they depart. The Lord has a fraction of their hearts, their bodies, and their pocketbooks. The remainder of their hearts is “possessed” by the devil.
There is the factional Christian. This individual thrives on strife and just loves to stir things up! He is a sower, not of the word of God (Luke 8:11), but of discord among brethren (Pr. 6:19). Does he think that the Lord’s church is a human institution in which opinions may be exalted and politics may be engaged in? If something is done that is not his idea, he doesn’t like it. It will not be enough that he refuses to participate in whatever he finds objectionable; he will try to make sure that no one else can enjoy the activity, either. To add weight to his criticism, he will most likely trot out a Scripture for support (though it is misapplied). If left unchecked, he will discourage many church members. And if he does not get his way, others can still expect to hear murmuring and complaining from his lips. This type of person has been known to round up as many fictional and fractional brothers as he can to attend the business meeting and vote with him. Eventually there may be a split, but division is all right with him–he got his way.
There is the functional Christian. He has obeyed from the heart the gospel of Christ and has been truly converted (Rom. 6:17-18). Everything he has, is, or ever will be belongs to God. And he functions the way God designed him. He (or she) is a conscientious husband, wife, mother, father, son, or daughter. This person makes the finest citizen in the community. Best of all, the functional Christian glorifies his Lord by putting His cause first and overcoming all obstacles. He is personally devoted to his own spiritual improvement. Although perhaps not in some spectacular way, he is nevertheless evangelistic (Rom. 1:14, Matt. 28:18-20). In short, he functions as a Christian ought to function.
Should a Christian be interested in studying the word of God? Should a Christian desire to meet with other brethren to worship God? Should a Christian be concerned about those still lost in sin? Should a Christian stand for truth and oppose error? Should a Christian protest the evils of society and praise that which is good? Should a Christian give generously to the local congregation to support its work? Yes, and the functional Christians does all of these things, and more.
There is the dysfunctional Christian. Just as the news reports physical families that can be described this way, so would God’s spiritual family be this way–if everyone were like this person. He (or she) does not relate to others in the body very well, judging by their absence from the activities that the rest of the members engage in. Of course, not everyone can participate in everything (although couples in their seventies have gone bowling with the younger set). But these folk do not ever seem to be involved in anything. They are either too busy, or they don’t care much for their brothers and sisters (1 Cor. 12:12-27, Eph. 4:16). These inexplicable people may be consistent attenders, good givers, and helpful in many ways, but they do not appear to enjoy the family relationship Christ designed for there to be in the church, which is unfortunate, since brotherhood is an integral and vital part of Christianity.
There is the unctional Christian. No, that’s not a misprint, though it may be unfamiliar (but then we need more words in the English language). According to the dictionary, the second definition of unction is: “an ointment or oil, salve.” The one after that is: “something that serves to soothe or restore; a balm.” Oh, how we need unctional brethren–someone who can speak a soothing word to those distressed, hurting, or grieving. Barnabas was called the son of consolation (KJV), exhortation (ASV), encouragement (NKJ), and comfort (The New Testament in Basic English). How refreshing it is for someone to utter an uplifting thought instead of a complaint, a kind word instead of a snide comment. We all need this kind of support. Of the seven types of Christians described in this article, which category fits YOU?