FASHION CHRISTIANS

Who are fashion Christians. They are christians who choose to don the full regalia of the Word of God only when it suits them.One way or the other we find ourselves in this category. Let's look at a short scenario.     
A fashion designer creates a line and decides to show them off on the runway for people to see and possibly attract them to buy. Now to achieve this he gets two models who have willingly agreed to wear them on the runway. One model chooses not to walk the runway with some of the designs from the Line, because the other designs on the line does not suit her style at that particular point . On the hand the second model is willing to walk the runway with all the designer's clothes because she believes in the work of the designer and his vision.   

Now lets link this whole fashion show scenario to our christian life. Now lets replace the fashion designer with God. He has designed a whole fashion line (i.e a way of life on His laws and commands) and in this line He has various clothing designs made from different fabrics. Some fabrics softer and easier to wear than others. Now  we as christians have willing agreed to model these clothes on the runway at a show (Life) for the Master Designer (God) because we have chosen to accept His son as our personal saviour.       
        
In Galatians 3:27 (KJV) the bible says "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Unfortunately we sometimes refuse to put on Christ( the full fashion line of God).We behave like the first model. We decide to walk the runway with designs that suit us at a particular situation we find ourselves in and neglecting the others which don't suit, when we should be like the second model who is prepared to our on the full fashion line of God ( like Paul said in Galations "CHRIST")

We confess to believe in the vision of the Master Designer(when we are baptized in Christ). But when He calls on us as models to show case His full clothing line some of us become like the first model; because the fabrics used to sew some of the clothes are not as comfortable as the others. 
In Colossians 3:10 (KJV) the bible say "And have put on the new man , which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: "

Now back to our scenario; the fashion is on-going and the two models walk into the dressing to change clothes and they see their designer and because show the fashion show(LIFE) is going on well and people are liking the designs, both models start praising the designer giving him all the praise he deserves. But you will agree with me the designer will be more pleased with the second model because his praises are based on all his line rather than the model whose praise is not full because he didn't believe into his entire vision.

This principle also applies in our worshiping  of God. We don't expect God to be happy with our praises, tithes and offerings when we don't believe in His vision as a Designer, when we don't believe in His whole collection with all our hearts. God doesn't need our praise, tithes, praises. NO! He doesn't need them!! He has more than enough money, He gets more than enough praises.

Don't misunderstand me, praising God is good but it should be done with a pure heart. It should be done because we believe in His vision as a Fashion Designer. God wants our heart. Going to church and giving the best offering or singing the best praises  or even rolling on the floor is worthless and useless if your heart is not pure and don't obey the commands of the Lord.

The Bible makes known God's position on fashion christians in Isaiah 1:11-13 (CEB) "What should I think about all your sacrifices? says the Lord . I’m fed up with entirely burned offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts. I don’t want the blood of bulls, lambs, and goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from you, this trampling of my temple’s courts? Stop bringing worthless offerings. Your incense repulses me. New moon, sabbath, and the calling of an assembly— I can’t stand wickedness with celebration!" God was talking to His people who had become "fashion Christians" were still offering sacrifices and offering to Him.

Now lets see why God was not accepting their offering and nor was He listening to their prayers. He says in Isaiah 1:15-17 CEB) "When you extend your hands, I’ll hide my eyes from you. Even when you pray for a long time, I won’t listen. Your hands are stained with blood. Wash! Be clean! Remove your ugly deeds from my sight. Put an end to such evil;...."  So as I said earlier God doesn't need our monies or offerings when we give it to Him with an impure heart. He will reject all that we do, no matter how much or how well we do it.

God is a merciful Father, He always finds a way to fix problems we create ourselves because He loves us so much. In verse18 of Isaiah 1(CEB) God said "Come now, and let’s settle this, says the Lord . Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow. If they are red as crimson, they will become like wool."

Wow!! God is all loving. I know in some aspect of our lives we have being fashion Christians. We have compromised our Christianity for one reason or the other, But there is hope. God in His own wisdom created a solution for us. It doesn't matter how deep you've compromised, God is ever ready to forgive you. Let's not make our praises be worthless or your seeds and tithes just be mere money before the altar of the Lord. Come!; ask Him to restore you among His favoured people, so your sacrifices and offerings may not repulse Him.

One way or the other we have all been like the first model, we have been "fashion Christians" but its not too late to make a quick U-turn and take the stance of the second model!! 

Ephesians 4:24 (KJV) "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

GOD THE MASTER DESIGNER'S COLLECTION NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE!!  

BLESS!!!!!

Acknowledgement: A big thank you to Bro Kakra Antwi-Boasiako. Sis. Miriam  Acquaye and Bro. Eric Adeyinka for their immense contribution!! God Richly Bless You.