This view is deeply troubling. The fact that self-identified Christians could express such an opinion reveals a serious crisis in our understanding of what it truly means to be a Christian. Is someone a Christian merely because they attend church, claim to believe in God, or hold a leadership role? Jesus made it clear that it is not difficult to discern who belongs to Him: “By their fruit you will recognize them…” (Matthew 7:16, NIV). That “fruit” refers to a life of surrender to Christ, where pleasing Him is the supreme priority. The Apostle John echoed this truth when he wrote, “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person” (1 John 2:4, KJV).
Anyone who truly follows Jesus must believe this scripture and examine their own life in its light. We should stop labeling those who refuse to obey Christ as fellow Christians. The Bible says such people are not speaking the truth.
What disturbed me most about the responses I heard is the realization that no one can judge above the standard they’ve personally embraced. When people insist that there’s no difference between Christians and non-Christians, it may be because, deep down, they’ve made no genuine commitment to obey Jesus—just like those outside the faith. If that’s the case, then there’s a serious spiritual problem within the Nigerian Church.
It seems that, for many, the ultimate goal—whether believer or non-believer—is material and financial success. In this framework, Jesus becomes just another means to an end, just like charms or superstitions are to others. Success becomes the true lord, and obedience to Christ is only pursued when it supports the pursuit of wealth. But this kind of gospel cannot produce followers of Christ who are truly different from the world. As Apostle Paul warned, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” (1 Timothy 6:9–10, NIV).
Our commitment must be to Jesus—not to wealth. Otherwise, we risk falling into traps that bring ruin. This doesn’t mean we should avoid hard work. On the contrary, we must work diligently and trust God to bless us financially as part of our faithful service to Him. Laziness does not honor the Lord. Nor does compromising our integrity to survive, especially when God has equipped us with the ability to work and provide. That’s why the Bible says, “If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor” (Ephesians 4:28, GNB).
God does desire to bless us materially, but we must never confuse material possessions with our true wealth. Real wealth is eternal—it’s what awaits us in God’s Kingdom. One clear sign that earthly wealth isn’t ultimate is this: no one takes it with them when they die. Everything we have belongs to Jesus; we are merely stewards. We must use our resources to fulfill His purposes for our lives. As Scripture reminds us, “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16, KJV).
As long as material and financial gain remains our top priority, there will be no clear difference between a professing Christian and an unbeliever. But in the midst of today’s materialistic culture, a line is being drawn. This culture will ultimately expose who truly belongs to Jesus and who does not.
Make your allegiance clear. Choose Jesus above all else.
