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The biggest challenge for many of us is feeling a sense of belonging.  Everyone belongs to something—whether it's a club, team, workplace, or social group. But there are really only two groups that matter spiritually: those who belong to Jesus and those who don't.

When we look at the world around us, we see the stark contrast between these two groups. The darkness we witness in our world—violence, hatred, division—exists because of the absence of light. Every 25 seconds in the US, there's a violent assault or robbery. Every 31 minutes, a murder is committed. This isn't just about what we see on TV; it's happening all around us.

What Does It Mean to Truly Belong to Christ?

Being part of what Jesus is doing means more than just attending church, feeling good, or giving money. It means being saved and seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. The reason our world is so dark is that many who claim to know Christ aren't living out their faith in meaningful ways.

Our battle isn't against flesh and blood—not against people who look different, act differently, or vote differently than us. Our battle is against spiritual darkness. We must also remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Our job isn't to judge but to reach out to others with the light of Christ.

How Can I Know Which Group I Belong To?

There are three ways to see for yourself what or who you belong to:

 

  • Your words - Do the words that come out of your mouth match who you say you are?
  • Your thoughts - Do your thoughts align with who you claim to be? Are they the thoughts of Christ toward others and yourself?
  • Your actions - Where and what do you spend your time on? What do you use your talents and gifts for?

 

We're spiritual beings with physical bodies, yet we often focus entirely on this temporary life while neglecting the eternal one. There are only two possible destinations: heaven or hell. Jesus warned that some will say, "We did these things in your name," but He'll respond, "I never knew you."

What's the Difference Between the Flesh and the Spirit?

In Galatians 5, Paul clearly outlines the difference between those who walk according to the flesh and those who walk according to the Spirit.

The works of the flesh include:

 

  • Adultery, fornication, uncleanness
  • Idolatry (anything that comes before God)
  • Hatred, contentions, jealousies
  • Outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions
  • Dissensions, envy, drunkenness

 

Paul warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The fruit of the Spirit includes:

 

  • Love, joy, peace
  • Patience (longsuffering)
  • Kindness, goodness
  • Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

 

There is a stark difference between people who follow Jesus and people who don't. The question is: Which group do you belong to?

How Do I Know If I'm Really Saved?

Many people think they're saved because they were christened as babies or baptized at some point. But Scripture says salvation comes through believing and confessing Jesus as Lord.

If you want to know if you're truly saved, examine your life for the fruit of the Spirit:

 

  • If you're not practicing love, especially when under pressure, you may not be saved.
  • If you don't have joy or peace in your life, you may not be saved.
  • If you're not patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, or self-controlled, you may not be saved.

 

This isn't about judgment but about truth. Jesus loves all people and wants everyone to be saved. He constantly reaches out, saying, "Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest."

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to examine which kingdom you truly belong to. Take time to honestly evaluate your words, thoughts, and actions:

 

  • Examine your speech: When you're under pressure, what comes out? Do your words reflect Christ's love or the world's anger?

 

  • Monitor your thoughts: Are your thoughts aligned with God's truth or with worldly values? Ask God to search your heart and reveal anything that doesn't belong.

 

  • Evaluate your actions: Where do you spend your time and energy? Are you using your gifts to advance God's kingdom or your own comfort?

 

  • Reach out to someone different: Make an effort to connect with someone who doesn't look, think, or vote like you. Remember, Jesus came for everyone.

 

 

Ask yourself: If Jesus sat down with me today and examined my life, what would He find? Am I producing the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh? Am I part of the solution or part of the problem in this dark world?

Remember, you don't have to have it all figured out to belong to Jesus. The only requirement is to call on His name, believe, and confess Him as Lord. Then you can begin the journey of becoming more like Him each day.