5 Reasons You Should Stop Being A Messy Christian

Too frequently, people take the worst things about themselves and embrace them as a significant part of their identities. These folks remind us that they are not perfect, and they are the way they are. The end. The idea of improvement is likened to judgment, unacceptance, and hate. Christians, especially women, seem to own their faults and weaknesses by taking on the convenient identity of messy Christian. That term, however tweetable it may be, is a dangerous lens through which to view our Christian walk. So, can we just stop saying it? Please.

What Exactly Is A Messy Christian?

One of the biggest problems with calling oneself a messy Christian is that it doesn’t really mean anything. Of course, we can define a Christian, but messy can mean a lot of things and lead to confusion.

Complicated. Often times, messy is a just another way to say complicated. If that is all someone means by it, then I see no problem with the term. I mean, life is complicated. People are complicated. The fallen world in which we live is a whole lot of complicated. However, is that what people mean when they call themselves messy Christians? I don’t think it is as simple as being complicated. Rather, it accompanies a whole host of implications that are unbiblical or just unwise.

Sadly, more often than not, a person who qualifies her Christianity with “messy” is compromising her faith in some way.

The Implications Of Calling Yourself A Messy Christian

1. A Messy Christian Normalizes Sin

Let’s begin with the most potentially offensive reason to stop calling ourselves messy Christians. Using the word messy undermines the severity and seriousness of sin. It reminds me of when people say mistake when the proper word is sin. Those two words are related on some level, but they have very different meanings.

A woman may make a mistake by arriving for a movie an hour late because she got the start time wrong. On the other hand, that same woman is committing a sin (not a mistake) if she were to steal from her boss. One is more accidental and unintentional. The other is willfully disobeying God. Well, a messy Christian can create the same misunderstanding for herself and others around her due to her word choice.

When we identify as messy, then we adopt the messiness as part of our personality. “I was born this way.” How can anyone expect you to be any different, right?

Messy is a nicer word than sin. It sounds less severe, but it can include a great number of sins. Sure, a murderer can’t claim to be messy and assume all will be forgiven, but a gossiping, lying, unforgiving, blaspheming, drunk can hide under the term messy Christian.

Additionally, who wouldn’t say that they or their lives are at least a little messy? If we’re messy, then how can we say someone else who identifies as messy is covering for her sin? Do you see the problem here? Your messiness might be a complicated life situation while my messiness is gossip and disrespect to my husband. Try to call out my sin when we both call it a mess. It is unlikely I would respond with a willingness to self-reflect.

What The Bible Says

A messy Christian needs to differentiate between messy and sin. Nevertheless, it’s more typical to hide behind the label. For a quick refresher, below are a few verses that tell us what sin is and from where it originates.  

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

James 4:17

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

1 John 3:4

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

James 1:14

“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

Mark 7:20-23

2. A Messy Christian Prevents Sanctification

Sanctification is a process of being set apart. A Christian, over time, is growing in holiness and Christlikeness. It’s an amazing thing to witness in someone’s life, but it can be slow-going. Unlike justification which is “deliverance from the penalty of sin and is a past action for all believers, accomplished by Christ at the cross,” sanctification is lifelong process. In a world steeped in instant gratification, then, it is no surprise that Christians seem to tire of sanctification’s slow pace.

A messy Christian, though, can disregard sanctification altogether. Throughout a person’s Christian walk, the Holy Spirit reveals our sin, areas of weakness, and areas in which we need to grow. In obedience we pray, read and study God’s Word, and make ourselves accountable to a church family. What if, however, a Christian identified as being messy?

Well, if the Christian meant “complicated,” then I believe that person will still walk in obedience and respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in her life. In contrast, a believer who means messy as “this-is-the-way-I-am” will be unlikely to make room in her life for much spiritual growth. There is no motivation to change and grow if I’m meant to be messy.

What The Bible Says

We might be more comfortable remaining in our messy Christian state, but that is not what we are called to do, believers.

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV)

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

John 17:17

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (emphasis mine)

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Philippians 1:6

3. A Messy Christian Ignores That God Is A God Of Order

A messy Christian accepts a certain amount of chaos and disorder in her life as normal. It’s just the way her life is. She is messy.

Messy Christians demonstrate a lack of order in a variety of ways. She might be literally messy. Have you ever walked into someone’s home and found your feet stuck to the floor? Yeah, that’s not my favorite…

Her relationships with people might look messy through drama, unreasonable expectations, or poor communication. She might not be able to hold down a job because she won’t follow instructions. Or it could be worse. This messy Christian might be in bondage to sin such as alcohol abuse, drug use, or promiscuity.

No matter the chaos she allows in her life, she is ignoring an important attribute of God. An attribute that she, as a Christian, ought to strive toward. Order.

God’s Order

I’m sure you’ve heard God is a God of order, but that might seem a bit vague. Give creation a moment of thought, and you’ll already start to understand what I am saying. God created the planets, stars, and all else that exists in space. Everything is in its perfect place. The planets move just as they must in order to avoid crashing into each other and to allow Earth to have the “just right” conditions for life to flourish.

When we zoom in closer to the world around us we see the seasons predictably playing out, animals existing together in the circle of life (cue The Lion King soundtrack), and our bodies demonstrating an ideal form for this planet. All is ordered and perfect. The only mess we encounter is due to sin.

What The Bible Says

There is no verse in the Bible that says, “God is a God of order,” but we see it all around us. And the Bible does tell us God is not a God of chaos/confusion. Also, we are instructed to do things with order. Finally, we learn that God has plans which points to a God with order and structure.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,”

1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV)

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

1 Corinthians 14:40

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”

Psalm 37:23

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

Proverbs 19:21

4. A Messy Christian Embraces Victim Mentality

The victim mentality has taken hold of an entire generation. We don’t only accept being victims, we wear victimhood like a badge of honor. A messy Christian gets to have the honor of being a victim if she views her life as messy.

Why improve anything in your life or apply biblical wisdom you learn in the Bible and from preachers and teachers if staying a mess earns you societal clout?

A key component of victim mentality is that the person is not in control of her victimhood. So, she will always be a messy Christian. It’s out of her hands, and she is a victim of her circumstances, her personality, and the sins that she thinks God has made her incapable of defeating.

Any Christian who sees herself as a victim believes she cannot move beyond her own circumstances and struggles, and the world’s new love for victimhood offers a safe excuse for her “mess.”

What The Bible Says

A messy Christian misses the hope God gives us. He can overcome anything, and He already has through Jesus. As God’s child, His victory is yours, as well. So, take it.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

1 John 5:4 (ESV)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

James 4:7

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

5. A Messy Christian Doesn’t Give Her All

Personally, I have high standards. I have even higher standards for myself. Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t meet my standards that often, but I keep trying. I work toward goals to be better. Better at everything.

I confess that it looks more like one step forward and two steps back sometimes, but I refuse to settle for less than I can give. Recently, I’ve been pretty low energy, but I’m looking ahead and determined not to develop roots in it.

A messy Christian, though, doesn’t strive for better. Instead, she plants herself in her less-than-I-can-do mindset and bunkers down for the long haul. (This is not a season of life issue or temporary accommodation. I’m referring to a long-term state of being. Hey, we can’t be our best every minute of every day, you know?)

I see Christian women like this on Facebook sharing “encouraging” memes and poems affirming women to be just as they are. You are perfect, according to these. Umm, how do I say this nicely?

You’re not perfect, and your goal shouldn’t be to remain the same. OK, that didn’t sound as nice as I wanted it to, but it’s true. We are not perfect, but we should be growing more like Christ as time goes on. Yes, God loves you, but He hates your sin and your identification with the world…and you should, too.

Messy Christians like to repeat sayings like, “If you can’t handle me at my worst, then you don’t deserve me at my best.”

A mentality like this pushes away people who would encourage you to grow in the Lord, and it only leaves those who will agree with you. It’s a self-imposed echo chamber. These leave no room for accountability, introspection, or growth. They aren’t helping. Rather, they cheer you on when you let your home become a glorified trash heap, serve fast food to your children every night of the week, watch trashy movies and shows, skip church (again), complain about your husband, spend money frivolously, and do the bare minimum at work.

What The Bible Says

Christians aren’t meant to phone in their lives and blend in like the scenery. We should stand apart from the world, living in obedience to God. Our lives should exemplify what a life in Christ really can be. Christians should stand out from the crowd, rising to the top as witnesses to Christ.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

John 10:10

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

Final Thought

Why do we always try to alter what is already right and good? What’s the point of this adjective: messy? Be a Christian or don’t be, but don’t get caught up in meaningless labels and old words being used in new ways. You are not a messy Christian. You are a Christian.

The only purpose the word messy serves is to confuse us about what a Christian should look like. Obviously, we are all human and fall short. We do have messes and complications in our lives, but those messes don’t define our faith. God saved me, and ever since that day He has been prompting changes and growth in me. He is removing the mess from my life day after day.

Don’t let the comfort and familiarity of mess turn you into a stagnant Christian who becomes tolerant and even unbothered by the sin in your life. Ask God to show you what your next step should be, and I know He will make it clear.

Have you ever considered yourself a messy Christian? Why?

Image courtesy of Olivia Basile via Unsplash.