MISSING FROM THE PEW

The Vanishing Youth from Our Congregations

Philipose Vaidyar 

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"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." – Hosea 4:6

Why do Some Christian Youth Leave the Faith and Enter Interfaith Relationships?  What are the Root Causes and a Redemptive Response? (My previous post: Why do Children Fail ... : https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/01/who-fails-parents-or-children.html )

The Concern

Across denominations—whether evangelical, Pentecostal, or episcopal—families are increasingly facing a painful and confusing reality: young people who were raised in Christian homes are walking away from the faith. Often, this takes the form of entering romantic or marital relationships with non-Christian partners—not just Muslims, but individuals from various other religions or belief systems.

One hears of a boy from an aristocratic Christian family who maintained a school friendship with a girl from a non-Christian background, eventually leading to a relationship despite clear incompatibility in faith and values. In another case, a young Christian man marries a non-believing partner from another religion, leaving his parents to face difficulties in maintaining fellowship with the church and navigating family tensions.

But more than boys, many girls from strong churchgoing and faith-filled families have run away from their hostels or homes, forming surprising relationships with boys from other religious backgrounds. Parents are left shocked, their hopes shattered, and their lives emotionally broken, struggling to understand where things went wrong.

These situations may look like personal or emotional choices, but they reflect deeper cracks in spiritual formation, relational mentoring, and leadership engagement within the church community. Whether driven by emotional vulnerability, social pressure, or a lack of grounding in biblical truth, the issue demands a thoughtful, pastoral, and community-wide response.

Understanding the Roots

·       Shallow faith foundations: Many children grow up with Christian rituals but without a deep relationship with Christ.

·       Poor mentoring: No safe, trusted young mentors to walk with them through doubts, relationships, or personal struggles.

·       Over-controlling environments: Fear-based parenting and church cultures often suppress honest conversations.

·       Neglect of inner formation: Churches emphasize behavior over belief, and performance over transformation.

·       Clericalism in leadership: Many clergy—be they presbyters, pastors, or bishops—assume they are the sole experts and solution-givers in the congregation, leaving no room for lay voices, professionals, or lived experience.

Solutions That Go Beyond the Pulpit

1. Train a Generation of Lay Mentors

We must identify spiritually mature young adults and model families to serve as relational mentors.

·       These people—not just pastors—should be equipped as friendly counselors, walking with youth and children in everyday life.

·       Start a Training of Trainers (TOT) model in the church, where laypeople are empowered to counsel, guide, and mentor based on Scripture, empathy, and lived experience.

·       These could include Christian counselors, youth workers, godly couples, or even professionals like teachers and social workers with a heart for mentoring.

2. Subtly Orient Children Early in Life

Start early, but not with fear-based messaging. Help children understand who they are in Christ and how to respond to life’s challenges with discernment.”.

·       Teach Christ-centered identity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

·       Introduce conversations on boundaries, media influence, interfaith interactions, and personal value gently but firmly.

·       Use storytelling, testimony, and role models—not just sermons.

3. Addressing the Leadership Myth in Clergy-Driven Churches

In many episcopal or clergy-centered churches, there’s a silent assumption: “The bishop, presbyter, or pastor must have the answer to every issue.” This assumption is not just false—it’s dangerous.

Problems with this mindset:

·       It isolates the clergy, placing unrealistic pressure and often preventing them from acknowledging their own vulnerabilities.

·       It sidelines gifted laypeople who may have more real-life experience in counseling, family life, leadership, or youth mentoring.

·       It blocks the diversity of wisdom God has placed in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).

What needs to change:

·       Presbyters and pastors need to unlearn the myth that spiritual authority equals universal expertise.

·       Churches must intentionally invite mature lay voices to lead workshops, sessions, and mentoring programs.

·       Let model families, faithful couples, professionals, and trained youth take the stage alongside the clergy in retreats, seminars, and discipleship forums.

The cassock doesn’t make one immune to blind spots. God’s wisdom is not limited to the pulpit.

A Call to Rebuild the Church Family

Let’s stop treating the Church as a performance stage and rebuild it as a discipling family. We need:

·       Intentional mentoring models rooted in trust, Scripture, and accountability.

·       Clergy who are humble enough to share the stage and wise enough to empower others.

·       Parents and leaders who disciple, not just control.

·       Children who grow in identity, purpose, and discernment, knowing their value is rooted in Christ.

Takeaway

This isn’t about shifting blame. It’s about shifting focus—from controlling outcomes to cultivating hearts.  The goal is not to protect children from the world through fear, but to prepare them to face the world with faith, wisdom, and support.  

STOP PRESS!

Is the whole issue rooted in the church, or does it begin much earlier at home? While this article primarily focused on the church environment—its flawed theology, misplaced priorities, and misguided leadership—the intention was never to place all the blame solely there. In fact, we began this larger conversation by addressing the struggles between parents and children in a previous post: Who Fails—Parents or Children?. The heart of the issue lies in a dangerous assumption—that Sunday School, youth camps, and weekly sermons will take care of everything. However, faith isn't formed solely by programs. It is cultivated daily in the home, at the dining table, in quiet conversations, and through lived example.

When children take unexpected turns, we’re often surprised. But maybe the warning signs were there—just unseen, or worse, ignored. 

Let’s now turn the lens back to where faith is first meant to be formed: in the home. (in the next post)

My next post #3 : https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/09/sparks-knocks-and-slamming-doors.html

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Every Tree Has a Story: A Tale of Transformation and Purpose

In a sunlit courtyard, three trees stood side by side, each with a story etched in their bark. At first glance, they seemed ordinary: an orange tree that bore no fruit, and a wild thorny tree, a pair of guava trees with modest foliage, leaning precariously as though unsure of its place. Yet, within this trio of unremarkable trees lay a lesson waiting to unfold, one of renewal, community, and divine purpose.

The orange tree stood nearby, barren for years. Its branches reached skyward in silent defiance as if waiting for a miracle. Despite its unfruitfulness, it was spared the axe, its mere presence a quiet reminder that sometimes patience, not productivity, is the greater virtue. Then there was the wild thorny tree, neither planted nor planned, growing where nature willed. Thorny and unruly, it offered no shade, fruit, or apparent purpose. Yet, it stood, defiantly alive.

Amid these trees, a new arrival brought an unexpected twist. A few months ago, a passion fruit plant appeared, unbidden yet full of promise. Its delicate tendrils reached out, finding their way across the yard, weaving between the trees and embracing the situout. Encouraged by its resilience, the family nurtured it, preparing a place for it to thrive. In time, it began to bear fruit, its vibrant orbs a testimony to patience and care. The passion for the fruit was, at last, fulfilled through this passion fruit.

As the days passed, a miracle unfolded. The barren orange tree, long overlooked, began to bear fruit. Tiny green orbs appeared on its branches as if awakened by the joyful symphony of the babblers. It was as though the birds' presence breathed new life into the tree, stirring it to fulfill its purpose. Even the wild thorny tree played its part, providing a safe perch for birds scouting the area. 

Before we dive into the real story beyond these trees, let's take a moment to reflect on the purpose of those trees that were left standing.

A Call to Bear Fruit: Embracing Our Purpose

The story of the guava, orange, wild trees, and passion fruit highlights the importance of bearing fruit in our lives. Jesus warns that “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19), urging us to live lives that serve others, glorify God, and fulfill our divine purpose. Like these trees, we are often pruned and shaped by God, not as punishment but to prepare us for greater fruitfulness.

Jesus reminds us in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Our calling to bear lasting fruit is by divine appointment. We are placed in our communities to serve and make a difference.

This challenge is clear: to live lives that benefit others, whether by offering comfort, nourishment, or standing as a symbol of resilience. Let us take inspiration from the trees, the jungle babblers, and the unexpected passion fruit plant, embracing unity, service, and fruitfulness. By doing so, we fulfill God’s plan, becoming instruments of His love, and bearing fruit that lasts for His glory. Let us commit to being fruitful and purposeful in God’s kingdom.

Hold your breath now, as we fly around these trees. Let your imagination soar a little higher, offering a bird's-eye view from above. Prepare to bring along fresh pages and a few crayons to sketch a colorful story on your blank sheets.  I suggest you continue reading only if you love exploring new perspectives through the written word. 

 THE GUAVA TREE & THE CHATTERING JUNGLE BABBLERS

Birds Beyond their name, Blending Communication into their Community, and Defining a Delicate Dynamic!

The guava stood modestly at the edge of the courtyard, a pair of small trees that had quietly claimed their space over the years. They had begun bearing fruit some seasons ago, but the joy of ripe guava was often stolen by bats, which descended at night, not allowing the fruits to ripen. When we relocated back home, we considered cutting them down entirely but hesitated, opting instead to trim them to about twelve feet, preserving the possibility of any future use.

The trimmed branches sprouted anew, tender shoots emerging and spreading gracefully. The tree regained its vitality, its leaves vibrant and green. Recently, this renewed space became a lively perch for jungle babblers. Their daily chatter grew, filling the courtyard with energy. The guava tree transformed from a forgotten remnant into a bustling community center, hosting these endearing birds.

Adjacent to the guava trees stood two others: one, a thorny wild tree, and the other an orange tree that had not borne fruit for years. Despite their barrenness, we decided to leave them standing, appreciating the presence of those lean trees.  

The small trees created a haven for birds, offering space for perching, chattering, and resting. A close friend suggested adding a birdbath to the area. Taking their advice, I installed one between the guava trees. At first, only a couple of hesitant crows visited. It remains empty as small birds haven’t been visiting it. Other birds, too, seem uninterested, leaving me considering whether to lower its height or replace it with a different design. 

In recent years, peacocks and peahens frequently visited our compound. Initially, their majestic presence drew admiration, but their habit of eating small seedlings tempered the excitement. In contrast, sparrows and hummingbirds brought unadulterated joy. These tiny creatures flitted gracefully, their vibrant energy captivating the heart. Yet, it was the jungle babblers that truly stole my attention. Unlike the colorful peacocks or swift hummingbirds, these plain birds offered a unique charm. Their cooperative behavior and unassuming nature spoke volumes about the beauty of unity and purpose.

This year, something remarkable happened. Observing the babblers closely, we noticed tiny fruits growing on the orange tree—a phenomenon absent for years. It was as if the birds’ vibrant activity had awakened a dormant life within the tree.

Under the warm morning sun, the Seven Sisters—as the babblers are fondly called—filled the air with their ceaseless chatter. Though small and plain in appearance, they lived vibrantly, embodying community, resilience, and divine design. Flitting between trees, hopping across the ground, and sifting through leaves, they searched diligently for food, their actions forming a symphony of intricate communication.

One day, I noticed two babblers carrying coconut coir and twigs to the guava tree. Intrigued, I watched as they meticulously wove a nest, their dedication humbling. Without guidance or blueprints, they instinctively created a safe haven for their young—a quiet reflection of the Creator’s intricate care. Their efforts were never solitary. Companions kept watch and occasionally chirped encouragement. In their world, no bird worked alone; they shared burdens, guarded each other, and collectively nurtured their young.

As days passed, I grew curious about the nest’s progress. Faint chirps eventually revealed the arrival of chicks. Unable to resist, I used a ladder to take a cautious peek. The birds became unusually noisy, chirping in alarm but refraining from attacking. Peering into the nest, I saw three motionless chicks, faking death—a survival instinct. Their shallow breathing betrayed them, their tiny bodies rising and falling gently. I quickly descended, not wanting to disturb them further.

In the days that followed, my presence near the tree heightened the babblers’ vigilance. They gathered in numbers, their chirping louder as if united in guarding their young. This sense of community was awe-inspiring, a living testament to the strength found in unity. Their actions reminded me of Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” The imagery resonated deeply, illustrating God’s protective love and care.

As weeks passed, the nest grew silent. The babblers had moved on, leaving the courtyard still and somewhat empty. The dismantled nest swayed gently in the breeze, evoking thoughts of life’s transitions—much like children leaving home. Their departure brought to mind Jesus’ assurance in Matthew 10:29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” If God watches over these small creatures, how much more does He care for us?

A Life of Purpose and Persistence

The jungle babblers taught me lessons of resilience and purpose. Whether under the scorching sun or during the monsoon’s downpour, they tirelessly searched for sustenance, echoing Jesus’ words: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7-8). Their persistence in foraging mirrored our call to persist in seeking God’s presence and provision.

Their unity also revealed the strength of the community. If any bigger birds ventured near the guava tree, the babblers erupted in unified alarm. Together, they mobbed the predator, driving it away. It was a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity. Their shared vigilance and teamwork mirrored God’s design for human relationships. In a world where individualism often reigns, the babblers reminded me of the value of family, fellowship, and shared purpose. As the Psalmist writes, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3). Just as the babblers nurture their young within a supportive community, we too are called to foster environments where love, faith, and growth thrive.

A Testament to the Creator

Weeks later, I reflected on their departure. The once-pristine nest now swayed gently in the breeze, a symbol of God's sustaining care. Their absence left a void, reminding me of the quiet stillness after children leave for school. It brought to mind Jesus’ assurance: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” (Matthew 10:29-31). If God watches over these small creatures, how much more does He care for us, His children?

The babblers were more than just birds; they were living testimonies of the Creator’s intricate design. Their unwavering diligence, trust, and unbreakable bonds were lessons to embrace in my own walk of faith. Sitting in the now-quiet courtyard, I am filled with gratitude. These humble creatures, through their daily lives, pointed me to God’s sustaining grace and purpose.

A Call to Community

The lesson of community goes beyond family alone—it extends to friends, neighbors, and the wider community, all of whom nurture and help our children grow. It's not just about our immediate family; our children need the care and tender love of the community, as designed by God. We should be thankful for every family member, friend, or community fellow who has knowingly, unknowingly, or deliberately contributed to the care, upbringing, and growth of our children, equipping them for the flight ahead. Each person who nurtures and strengthens the next generation plays a vital role in God’s plan, helping them soar in faith, love, and purpose.

May the example of the jungle babblers inspire us to live faithfully, work diligently, and rest in the assurance of God’s unfailing care. Let their story encourage us to reflect His love, seek His guidance, and cherish the beauty of life in all its forms, remembering the importance of community in our children’s lives.

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A Journey Off Course

The Illusion of Direction

Philipose Vaidyar

If Bombay can alternatively be called Mumbai, why can't Bangalore be Mangalore? My journey from Nilambur to Bangalore in the summer of 1997 brought this question to life with unexpected depth.

I was traveling for a ten-day program in Whitefield, representing my college at Madurai. The 8-9 hour bus ride would take me through Gudalur, Mysore, and Bangalore. It was a typical summer day as I stood at the Nilambur bus stand, waiting for the Thrissur – Bangalore bus to arrive. Suddenly, I spotted Sam, a familiar friend who worked and lived in the Malappuram district and shifted to Calicut a couple of years ago. He approached me with a broad beaming smile, and we discovered we were headed to Bangalore.

Sam and I took adjacent seats on the left side of the bus. As we settled into the journey, the road began winding ascent through the scenic Nadugani Ghat. Our conversations flowed, and Sam shared his remarkable life story. Once a restless soul who had fled home, he wandered in search of peace but found none. It was in Nilambur, years ago, that he encountered the gospel, which gave his life a newfound purpose.

Sam became a devoted evangelist, working for a church mission. But when the mission faltered due to crucial leadership failures, he faced immense struggles. With two young children to support, Sam was now traveling to Bangalore for an interview for a job in Dubai. His bag held a newspaper clipping with the interview details.

As the bus climbed the Nilgiris, the landscape unfolded its breathtaking charm. The air grew cooler, eucalyptus trees lined the road, and pines and silver oaks rose majestically, their shadows dancing on the valley below. It felt as though the trees were silent witnesses to our journey, their stillness a sharp contrast to the whirlwind of emotions in Sam’s story.

At Gudalur, the bus stopped for lunch. We followed the driver and conductor to a small eatery, a simple but reliable choice. The food was plain yet satisfying, a much-needed break before the road to Mysore stretched ahead.

Passing Mysore Palace was a fleeting moment of grandeur—its glittering domes and sprawling gardens a brief yet unforgettable sight. Sam and I spoke less now, each absorbed in our thoughts as the bus headed toward Bangalore.

As evening descended, we arrived at the bustling Majestic Bus Stand. From there, we caught a city bus to Austin Town, where my friend Philip welcomed us into his small but hospitable home. Despite having guests already, Philip made space for us in his cramped drawing room. After a modest dinner outside, we lay down on a makeshift bedding  and drifted into sleep, weary from the day’s travel.

The next morning, as I reminded him to locate the interview address, Sam retrieved the newspaper clipping from his bag. I wanted to have a look at it before handing it over to Philip, who was to examine the address. To my amazement, I noticed that the address was in Mangalore! Philip said Mangalore is another 9 hours journey away from Bangalore.

Sam's eyes opened wide in astonishment. He said he had verified with more than one person about the address. A college student had assured him that Mangalore and Bangalore were the same. Locally, in Malayalam, Bangalore was referred to as Banglore, and Mangalore as Mangalapuram, but the two cities were 350 kilometers apart!

Sam consoled himself with the fact that there was one more day for the interview. He could still make it to Mangalore; it’s another 8-9 hour journey from here. At least he didn’t miss the interview entirely. Sam, though shaken, remained resolute. He decided to press on, unwilling to abandon his goal.

Reflections on the Road
We both had to leave Philip’s place sooner: I to Whitefield and Sam to Mangalore.  As I watched Sam depart, I was struck by the sadness of his mistake. He was sincere and determined, yet a single misunderstanding had sent him miles in the wrong direction.

It made me reflect: How often do we embark on life’s journey with the best intentions, only to find ourselves off course? Are we certain of our destination, or do we, like Sam, rely on flawed information, risking precious time and effort?

But how did the interview turn out? Almost 28 years later, as I wrote this, I checked with Sam and discovered that the interview was a complete sham. They collected passports and some money but have not returned either yet.

“Do all roads lead to Rome?” Perhaps they do. But not all paths lead to the ultimate truth. The Bible reminds us:
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

In life's journey, sincerity is crucial, but it must be paired with clarity of direction. We must ask ourselves: Are we on the right path, or will we one day regret realizing we’ve been heading the wrong way? When it comes to life’s ultimate destiny, there are no second chances to correct our course once we’ve arrived. Proverbs 14:12 reminds us of this sobering truth: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Let this verse urge us to seek God’s guidance and ensure that our steps align with His will, leading us to the right destination.

Where are the Irula Pepole ?!

 The Irula and Many more Native Tribes

Philipose Vaidyar

 https://sites.google.com/view/focusonpeople/new-release?authuser=0 

I wrote first time about the Irula (Irular) in 2003 in Malayalam as a feature story in India Focus, the magazine I was editing. Later along with many other such stories I had published it on my website www.FocusonPeople.org  in 2006 and in  A Peep into the Tribalscape in 2008. Later I had an invitation to do a short film on the tribe living in Chennai. (See the link to the videos in YouTube at the footer) 

 

People named 'Irula' are found in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Each of the groups seemed to be different in its structure and appearance. More of them are in Tamil Nadu (about 190,000) next, in Kerala (about 24,000) and the rest in Karnataka (about 11,000). I have personally visited several Iruala settlements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 

 

Irular in Kerala

Irulars are seen in Attapady area of Mannarkadu Thaluk in Palakkad District and also seen in Nelliyampathy, Pothuppara, Mayamudi, Palakkapandi, Koonapalam of Chittur Thaluk and Valayar hills. They are engaged in agriculture and cultivate paddy, ragi, dhal, plantains, turmeric, etc. Forest produce collection is also a source of income. They are also seen in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states. The Irular community in Kerala is different in features and occupation from the Irula people seen near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 

There is a genesis story of the Irula spoken among the Irular in Attappady around a man named Pattan. I had documented this story on my website in 2006 and in my first book, A Peep into the Tribalscape in 2008. Based on this story Chitra Soundar had published a children's picture book: Pattan’s Pumpkin in 2016 in the UK by Otter-Barry Books. (Some in India including a writer in Kerala has copied verbatim of my documentation of the story without any acknowledgment and it is published on a government website!) 

Read about the story  of Pattan and Irualar from my new book:  Trekking the Tribal Trail 

Visit:  Tribalscape.blogspot.com  or  

The legend continues that God instructed Pattan to live thereby cultivating the land. The Irular tribe believes that they descended from Pattan. If iniquity increases with the rise in the population, a goat or hen has to be sacrificed. One sacrifice is sufficient to ward off sin for a year. The Lord has kept heaven and hell for people according to the “wrongdoings and the sacrifice” offered. The word Irular comes from the word Irul which means darkness. Irular means those who are in darkness.

I reached a village 10 km away from Gulikadavu, which is situated close to the Anakatty-Mannarkad road. It was just a day after the village celebration and a sacrifice. The youth were blaring on trumpets, celebrating the penultimate day of the festival…….

 

Read the full story on Irular’s occupation, Lifestyle, Child Birth, Marriage, Death, and much more in Trekking the Tribal Trail.

https://sites.google.com/view/focusonpeople/new-release?authuser=0 

 

Irula in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Irula settlements are found in Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvallur, districts and a handful of them in Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts. Close to Chennai, several settlements are seen in and around Padappai, and Mamallapuram.  

Watch my video on the Iruala in Padappai, in the suburb of Chennai (sponsored by Agape Lifeline) on  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83vWwqqV4FA&t=98s 

Walking by Sight and Living by Faith

Carnal Christians Vs. Kernel Christians

Philipose Vaidyar

We use words like grace, faith, and trust almost every day. Everyone has some belief and faith in something. Anyone at a religious gathering or sect can be called a believer. All the members of a Church are Bible believers too and all have some faith as well. But all of them are unable to practice the belief, and not all can live by faith. We don’t need to judge anyone about their faith but we need to discern people by what they believe and practice to draw implications for ourselves and be able to make the right associations. 

That’s what Jesus taught through several parables and as reiterated by the apostles. We have two kinds of people everywhere- the righteous and the wicked- the wheat and the weed; the seed and the chaff; the sheep and the goats; the ordinary and the spiritual; and the Kernal Christians and the Carnal Christians. Like in a home there can be obedient and disobedient children, so it is in any human organization including the Church. 

Wheat and Weeds

In Church, we have two kinds of believers even while all of them recite the same liturgy, read the same Bible, participate in the same sacraments, or observe the same practices. The parables of the sower, seeds, and the weeds explain this. Not all seeds grow and give yields. Not all plants are wheat; some are weeds. Both grow together but the harvest, on the final day, will only separate them. Jesus said this parable about the two kinds of people in Christendom and about the judgment that will eventually separate them. Jesus said, “the sons of the evil one will perish and the sons of righteousness will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father”. The parable talks about the righteous and the unrighteous, how they live together for a time. 

Seed and Chaff

In Psalm 1, the righteous are compared to the seed that will grow to a tree that is planted by streams of water, which will not wither but give its fruits in season, and their way will succeed and be watched over by the Lord. The chaff is called to be wicked; like the chaff, they will be driven by wind; shall not stand in the judgment, and in the assembly of the righteous, but their way will perish. 

Sheep and Goats

Jesus compared his followers to sheep and goats. Some Christians are sheep while others are goats. Both these Christians co-exist but at the time of judgment, the sheep, who know the voice of Jesus (John 10:25-30), will be separated from the goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Ordinary Children and Spiritual Children

Children naturally born can only live by sight; children born by the flesh can only think of the flesh. Many attend churches for physical blessings. Healing, success, admissions, promotions, sustenance, assets, and artifacts are their goals. They are happy with God if their prayers for all these are answered the way they want. Many even teach this gospel. “When you worship, your bondages will fall apart, your sickness will be healed”. They preach that ‘chains fell off the apostles when they sang and worshipped in the jail’. Peter was delivered twice by an Angel but the Bible does not say that he was delivered because he was singing and praising in prison, even if he did. Some worship God to get blessings and get deliverance from debt; while others worship God because they are delivered people and blessed by the saving experience of God.  

Paul talks about these two kinds of believers in Galatians 4:21ff. - The ordinary Christians and the Promise Christians. “For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by a free woman. One was born ordinarily and the other was born as the result of a promise. “Now you brothers, like Isaac are children of promise. The slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son. Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but the free woman”. 

This is not to judge anybody else in the Church, but for us to judge ourselves. The slave-son could not become a promise-son. But because of Christ’s saving work, a slave can become free and become a promise-child. The external difference can be too little to recognize. In Churches, we have Kernel Christians and Carnal Christians. Both of them may go to church, pray, read the Bible, and give charity. But there is an invisible difference in both of them. 

Carnal Christians and Kernel Christians

Carnal Christians live by natural principles and by the trends and standards of the world. They want to be achievers; they love God, church, and religious gatherings and their prayers often will be for success, health, and wealth. They would like to gain more to possess the best. They would work and live as per the standards of a consumerist society. Their ultimate goal may be to climb up the social ladder and live with at most comforts and facilities. They will be more concerned about status symbols and go by brands of assets rather than its usefulness. They would be willing to bribe for getting things done and may buy any admission for a profession of their choice even if they are not eligible. Believers, Evangelists, Pastors, Social or Christian workers too can be carnal Christians. They will be more concerned about the transformation of their lifestyle. They may pursue theology or the Christian profession, but their ultimate goal will be to settle down in an affluent country someday. They would make preaching tours to the Arabian countries but not to any of the African countries. 

Carnal means ‘fleshly’. Bible has references to living in the flesh or by the lust of the flesh: 

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?”1 Corinthians 3:1-8 

A carnal Christian is still a believer in Jesus, may have accepted the gift of salvation, but not the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and transformation of the inner man. Carnal living satisfies the flesh rather than honoring and pleasing God.

The spirit of a carnal Christian has not the capacity to respond to the work of the Holy Spirit but seek blessings of God; may know Bible but may not know God in a personal relationship. He can be a legalistic Christian like the Pharisees, and not know God intimately (Titus 1:16). God looks at the heart, searching for His love working in and through His children (1 Peter 1:1-8).  

Kernel Christians live by faith and by the Word of God. The kernel is a seed and they have the potential to sprout and grow. They may not be great achievers; they may live in poverty and may struggle to live. All their prayers and wishes may not be answered or provided with. They may go through discouragements and challenges of different kinds. But they will press on in faith with hope; they will endure hardships. Sicknesses or failures will not sweep them away as their spiritual life is hidden in Christ. Their joy is not just in financial gains, wealth, possessions of property, luxurious lifestyles, or societal success. They will work and live in the world in the light of eternal principles. For them, food, clothing, housing, education, and infrastructure facilities are ‘means’, not the ‘end’. They are concerned about the transformation of people and their prayers are not limited just for health, wealth, and success but also for the spiritual transformation of people across their borders. 

Carnal Christian vs. Kernel Christian

A Carnal Christian can become a Kernel Christian.  All Christians can have some area of their lives where they live carnally. As a Carnal Christian, we are potential of being perfect, but not yet perfected. (2 Corinthians 12:1). Kernel Christians are Spirit-led beings. As a Kernal Christian, we will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). A tree can be known by its fruits. If Spirit-led we cannot remain carnal; we will grow and mature because of God’s work in our lives (Hebrew 12:5-11, Romans 12:1, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2). Jesus said he has chosen us to bear fruit that will last eternally (John 15:16).

Committed Christian by growing spiritually, gains the power to forsake earthly pleasures, and live a fruitful life that God has planned. The carnal Christians live in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life that is from the world (1 John 2:15-17). The Word of God says that not everyone who seems to be a Christian is a Christian (1 John 2:18-19). If the Carnal Christians become truly saved, they are assured that they will not perish (1 Corinthians 3:10-15, John 3:16). 

The choice is ours, to stay carnal or be a kernel of wheat to grow towards spiritual maturity to bear fruit in multiple folds; to walk by the sight of the world, or to live by faith through the Word of God and in complete dependence on the Spirit of God. And this is possible by intimacy with Christ through meditation and practice of the Word of God. Which group do you belong to, Carnel or Kernal; Living by sight or by faith? 

 (This article was first published in the Light of Life Magazine, November 2019)

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