Are today's "Christians" any different from the world?

In my observations, I have noticed that many so-called "Christians" do not appear to be any different than non-Christians. Why is that? Should Christians really separate themselves from "the world" and be different or should Christians try to "fit in" with non-Christians and "enjoy" all that the world has to offer?

If your answer to my question of how Christians should act is contrary to the Bible, then you should seriously exam yourself to see if you are truly in "the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). By this I mean that true Christians are commanded to "set themselves apart" from the world and its influences (2 Corinthians 6:17).

If you truly desire the world and everything that it has to offer, then you most likely do not love the Lord Jesus Christ. You certainly don't love Him more than anything if your desire is to "fit in" and be accepted by your friends. Christians are supposed to be different and out of love for Jesus, they are also supposed to be His ambassadors to shine His light on the world and be "salty" as in presenting something of value (the gospel message) to "the world" around them (Matthew 5:13-15). As Jesus is the Light, we are to reflect His light to the world (John 8:12). How can we do this is we look and act no different than "the world?" What testimony do we have if Jesus has never touched our heart and given us a testimony? After all, we must be drawn to Him if we are truly His (John 6:44).

I say all of this because I am grieved to see church leaders, Sunday school teachers and their children all appearing to be of the world, in love with the things of the world and trying their best to fit in with the world. What does this do to the church? Is the church influencing the world or is the world influencing the church? By all indications, the church is becoming worldlier every day. I even see billboards trying to persuade people to attend churches by way of the latest, greatest "sermon series."

By everything that I have observed, the church has become a marketing machine, no longer interested in fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) by going out and making disciples, but instead are attempting to lure people into the church by getting their attention and entertaining them. And what of these slick marketing ploys? Are they "inoffensive" and "watered-down" gospel presentations that are followed by high pressure altar calls trying to get people to "make decisions" for Christ based on an emotional sermon that they may or may not have written themselves? Is the goal of the church merely to multiply its membership and to make money? If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, then what we are seeing is the church rapidly falling into disobedience to Christ by following unbiblical "formulas" and schemes and are only gaining church members instead of genuine believers who are then discipled to follow the commands of Jesus Christ. As I read the Gospels, I see that Jesus was more interested in the quality of His disciples and followers over their quantity. Is this how the church operates today?

I know that there are still some churches that do not bow a knee to Baal (Romans 11:3-5), but for the most part, I observe that so many churches are more interested in themselves (self-centeredness) instead of the Lord Jesus. They present "sermon series" that are more "self-help" than gospel presentation. The church seems to exist to make everyone feel better about themselves instead of bringing sinners to genuine repentance. It is complete blasphemy that it has come to this, but we must not despair. It is recorded in Revelation that the church would become lukewarm to the extreme that Jesus is on the outside of the church knocking on the door to be let in (Revelation 3:20). I say that we are already there. So take heart, unless you are part of the problem. If your life does not reflect the Lord Jesus Christ, then you need to repent and bow to His Lordship. Examine your life and line it up with what Jesus said concerning the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35). If your life does not line up with the requirements of Jesus, then repent and forsake the world and remember that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). If He has overcome the world and if you remain / abide in Him (John 15:3-13), then you have overcome the world too. Also remember that if you follow Jesus, the world will not love you because you are not of the world (John 15:18-23), but remember that Jesus will love you and that is a greater gift than anything the world can offer you.