The Danger of Being a 'Nice Guy' in the Church: Avoiding Complacency and Purs

The Danger of Being a "Nice Guy" in the Church

Have you ever met a man in the church who, when asked to describe him, can only be called "nice"? There is nothing particularly wrong with being kind and amiable, but when "nice" is the only adjective used to describe a man, it begs the question: is he really making an impact for Christ?

As Christians, we are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). We are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). But what happens when we become too comfortable in our own "niceness" and fail to live out the true calling God has placed on our lives?

The Problem with Being a "Nice Guy"

Being a "nice guy" can be dangerous in the church because it often leads to complacency. When we are content with being seen as kind and easy-going, we may neglect to take bold steps for Christ. We may shy away from speaking truth in love, confronting sin, and sharing the gospel.

Furthermore, being a "nice guy" can lead to a lack of impact. When we are only known for our amiability, we may not be taken seriously when we do speak up. We may not be seen as leaders, and our influence may be limited.

But most importantly, being a "nice guy" can be detrimental to our own spiritual growth. When we are more concerned with being liked than with being faithful to God, we risk becoming lukewarm in our faith (Revelation 3:16).

The Solution: Pursuing Christ-Likeness

So, how can we avoid the trap of being a "nice guy" in the church? The answer lies in pursuing Christ-likeness. When we strive to be like Jesus in every area of our lives, we will naturally be more than just "nice."

Jesus was kind and compassionate, but he was also bold and uncompromising when it came to truth. He was a leader who challenged the status quo and called his followers to do the same. He was willing to lay down his life for the sake of others.

When we follow Jesus' example, we will be known for more than just our "niceness." We will be known for our love, our faithfulness, our courage, and our willingness to stand up for what is right.

How to Pursue Christ-Likeness

So, how can we pursue Christ-likeness in our own lives? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Study the Word

The Bible is our guidebook for living a Christ-like life. When we study the Word, we learn more about who God is and what he desires for us. We also see examples of Christ's character and are challenged to imitate him.

Make it a priority to spend time in God's Word every day. Read a chapter of the Bible, meditate on a verse, or listen to a sermon. Whatever it takes, make sure you are regularly filling your mind with the truth of God's Word.

2. Pray

Prayer is essential to our growth as believers. When we pray, we communicate with God and allow him to work in our hearts and minds. We also submit our wills to his and ask for his help in living a Christ-like life.

Make prayer a regular part of your daily routine. Set aside time each day to pray, whether it's in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Pray for wisdom, guidance, and strength to follow God's will.

3. Serve Others

Jesus was the ultimate servant, and he calls us to follow his example. When we serve others, we demonstrate Christ's love and compassion in tangible ways. We also put others' needs before our own, just as Jesus did.

Look for opportunities to serve others in your church and community. Volunteer at a local food bank, mentor a young person, or help out with a church event. Whatever you do, do it with a servant's heart and a desire to honor Christ.

4. Seek Accountability

Accountability is key to our growth as believers. When we have others in our lives who are committed to helping us grow, we are more likely to stay on track and avoid complacency.

Find a trusted friend or mentor who will hold you accountable in your walk with Christ. Share your struggles and ask for prayer and encouragement. Be willing to listen to their feedback and make changes as needed.

Conclusion

Being a "nice guy" in the church may seem harmless, but it can lead to complacency, a lack of impact, and a lukewarm faith. Instead, we should strive to pursue Christ-likeness in every area of our lives. By studying the Word, praying, serving others, and seeking accountability, we can become more like Jesus and make a greater impact for his kingdom.

Let us not be content with being seen as "nice." Let us be known for our love, our faithfulness, and our unwavering commitment to Christ.