June 3, 2026

I am sure we all know many people who have sat in a church, volunteering for Sunday School or VBS programs, maybe sang in the choir, said a prayer, and even preached, but although they looked like they were following Christ on Sunday, they lived their own way through the rest of the week. I call this being a “Sunday Christian”. I did this for so long thinking that the only reason I went to church is because “it was the right thing to do”. I do remember in my young life, I did know I wanted Jesus in my but God felt huge and scary to me. Thank you, Charlton Heston.

I would say that one may even think they are saved but, in fact, are not. There will be many who we thought, and they probably thought were saved, but will hear “depart I knew you not”. True salvation is not merely a matter of outward appearance or lip service but requires a genuine transformation of the heart.

In many church settings, children are prompted to raise their hands if they wish to be saved, often influenced by their friends doing the same. Unfortunately, while leaders, parents, and teachers have good intentions, this practice can lead many to believe they are saved when they are not, resulting in a misleading sense of peace.

This can create confusion later in life, as individuals may realize they are not truly living for the Lord, but for themselves and the world, and begin to question their salvation. I have questioned my salvation over the years and really don’t have a date and time about except for when my first child was born. It was in desperation I gave my life fully to the Lord and I am continually being transformed, praise the Lord. When I fall back into past sins, I question if I am saved, but realize when I feel guilt and the desire to change, God is working on me.

Though If an individual can engage in sinful behavior without experiencing any guilt, I would question their salvation. It’s important to recognize that feelings of guilt or remorse often act as indicators of one’s ethical compass and alignment with scripture. The convicted person will see personal growth, understanding redemption, and forgiveness more and more, being able to love more and more like Jesus.

Followers of Christ are recognized by their fruits. I once knew someone whom I was certain was a Christian due to the abundance of their good deeds and even saw them heartbroken over the lost; however, this person eventually fell away, reminding us that only God truly knows their heart. It’s crucial to acknowledge that faith is a profoundly personal journey, with each individual’s path featuring its unique twists and turns. While external actions may often indicate inner beliefs, the genuine essence of one’s faith is known solely to them and God.

Let’s be oh so careful to assume people are saved when they really may not be. To convince them or convince ourselves that someone is saved might just be their ticket to everlasting torment as we say nothing but encourage them that they are saved all because it can be hard to have a conversation. Let’s care for people enough to tell them the Truth.

I am preparing to write a letter to someone I mentored a few years ago. During that time, she sought the Lord as her Savior and asked for guidance on what to say. I advised her to speak to Him as she would to me, but she preferred to use my words. There was nothing wrong with that, so I helped her pray for forgiveness, and she was even baptized. Unfortunately, she quickly reverted to her old lifestyle, stopped attending church, and distanced herself from those who were positively influencing her life toward the Lord.

Some people will give their life to the Lord for “fire insurance”. Well, there’s no such thing. While she still maintains some contact with me, it is infrequent. I have encouraged her to return to church, and after spending the last few months in prayer about writing her a letter, I feel it’s time to do so. Though it will be challenging, my love for her compels me to do hard things. Some may think it is better to do in person but keeping things in writing allows a person to go back and reread and ponder.

I need to express to her that I feel I may have given her a false sense of security. As much as I hoped to believe she was saved, I genuinely don’t think that she is. This conversation will be one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do, but I understand that remaining silent would not be an act of love. Why would I want her to think she is saved when, in reality, she is not? Having my friend, last year, who once hoped for salvation and eternity in heaven, only to discover she was on her way to torment, has truly opened my eyes to the misleading comfort people can find in a false sense of security.

Now go do hard things!