Are We Half-Baked Or Well-Done?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn Hosea 7:8 – NKJV, the prophet describes Ephraim [Israel] as “a cake unturned.” In other words, they were just half-baked. On one side of the cake, they claimed they were faithful to God, while on the other side of the cake, they were blending in with the idolatrous nations around them, being guilty of lying, fornication, stealing, idolatry, etc. (Hosea 4:1-2 – NKJV; Hosea 4:17 – NKJV).
- We might compare Ephraim to half-baked Christians:
These are Christians who strongly contend for doctrinal principles, but have a proud, arrogant disposition. Their ungodly attitudes and lives place them in the half-baked class. Then there are Christians who have exemplary morals, and whose manner is one of meekness and humility, yet they strongly contend that doctrine is not important. In fact, they fellowship and bid Godspeed to error — a practice not condoned in the New Testament (cf. 2 John 1:9-11 – NKJV). They are done on one side of the cake, but raw dough on the other side.
- Then there are the well-done Christians:
They believe and teach “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9 – NKJV; 1 Timothy 4:16 – NKJV; 2 Timothy 1:13 – NKJV; cf. 2 Timothy 4:3 – NKJV). They keep themselves unspotted from the world and its influence (James 1:27 – NKJV; 1 John 2:15-17 – NKJV). These “well-done” Christians will not lose their reward (2 John 1:8 – NKJV) and will hear the Savior say to them:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23 – NKJV).
Dear fellow Christian, let’s ask ourselves, “Into which class do we fall — half-baked or well-done?” — and then be willing to give an honest answer, making any needed adjustments.
Related Articles:
- The Kind Of Doctrine We Believe Does Matter!
- Our World Is Watching
- “Live Large” For The Lord