In a world where change is the only constant, even the way Christians understand and live out the teachings of the Bible has evolved. As new cultural norms emerge, some biblical teachings have been neglected or forgotten along the way.
These overlooked teachings are crucial for living a faithful and dynamic Christian life. Let’s explore 20 Bible teachings that have faded from focus in modern Christian practice.
Faith and Action Go Hand in Hand
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” – James 2:26
Many people claim to be Christians and talk about their strong faith in Christ. But when you look at their lives and priorities, they often tell a different story. Their actions sometimes don’t line up with the teachings they profess.
James 2:26 emphasizes that true faith should produce visible actions. To bridge this gap, modern Christians should revisit and actively practice their faith’s core teachings, ensuring their lives genuinely reflect what they say they believe.
The Narrow Road
“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
This passage talks about the narrow and wide paths related to our faith journey and obedience to God. Today, many Christians emphasize inclusivity and acceptance, sometimes seeing the narrow path as too exclusive or unwelcoming. They may forget that Jesus described the narrow path as challenging but necessary for true discipleship. This teaching shows us that following Christ requires commitment and discipline, and the path to this life isn’t always the easy or popular one.
Protecting Your Inner Peace
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
In today’s world, there is a surge of information coming from different outlets – media, social platforms, and more. We often neglect to filter out content that disrupts our inner peace. We fail to recognize how cultural influences can compromise our values and priorities. This passage reminds us to guard our hearts, ensuring we remain focused on what truly aligns with our faith and convictions.
Fear of the Lord
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10
The Bible often mentions the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. However, this concept is sometimes misunderstood or ignored. Today, there’s a tendency to focus on God’s love and mercy while neglecting the awe and reverence that come with recognizing His holiness. A healthy fear of the Lord leads to obedience and a deeper relationship with Him.
Living a Holy Life
For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
In today’s society, the concept of holiness is often overshadowed by a more relaxed approach to Christian living. Holiness involves more than just moral purity; it’s about being fully dedicated to God. Christians need to revisit this idea and commit to living a life that glorifies and honors God.
Taking Up Your Cross Daily
Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
Modern culture places great value on comfort and ease, which contradicts this call to daily sacrifice. This passage highlights that Christianity involves denying ourselves daily. It challenges us to embrace a life of commitment and discipline rather than seeking personal comfort and convenience.
Tithing and Giving
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10
Many modern Christians are experiencing financial struggles due to the uncertainties of today’s economy. This reality is one reason why financial giving has become a contentious issue, with many Christians neglecting this vital practice. However, it’s crucial to remember that giving is not just about financial stability but faith and trust in God’s provision.
Loving Your Enemies
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
For many of us, this command often feels counterintuitive. That’s why it is easy for modern Christians to overlook this Bible teaching. Yet, at its core, Christianity is about demonstrating the radical love of Christ, which includes loving those who are difficult to love and praying for those who oppose us.
Lifting Each Other’s Load
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Christians are called to share in each other’s struggles. This is Paul’s message to Christ’s followers as a way of fulfilling His law. However, this practice is becoming increasingly rare in today’s individualistic society. We should strive to embrace this teaching to build a stronger community amidst the growing disconnect and isolation in our modern world.
Fasting and Prayer
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting, combined with prayer, is a powerful spiritual discipline that has long been practiced in the Christian faith. However, in modern Christian communities, this practice has become rare. We must remember the significance of fasting and prayer and how they can deepen our relationship with God.
Unity Among Believers
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27
According to the Center for Study of Global Christianity, the number of Christian denominations has been increasing and is expected to increase even more in the coming years. Christians are already diverse theologically, and this trend only adds to the complexity. Despite these differences, the Bible calls us to maintain unity as one body in Christ. Therefore, we should focus more on what unites us rather than what divides us.
Hospitality to Strangers
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
With the increasing crime rate and the ongoing concerns about COVID-19, many people have become more cautious and reserved. This leads to this teaching from Hebrews 13:2 being overlooked by many. However, no matter how challenging the circumstances, humanity and Christianity should still prevail, and showing kindness to strangers remains a vital way to reflect God’s love and grace in our lives.
Rejecting Every Kind of Evil
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
This teaching emphasizes the importance of integrity and the impact our actions have on others. In today’s world, where moral boundaries are often blurred, this call to reject every kind of evil is more relevant than ever.
Modesty in Dress and Behavior
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” – 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Today’s society places more emphasis on fashion and staying trendy. Modesty in dress and behavior often gets overlooked, and many modern Christians might not give this teaching the attention it deserves. The Bible calls us to dress and act modestly, reflecting inner values through our outward appearance.
Time Management
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
There’s a reason why the saying “time is gold” is so widely recognized. In this passage, Paul urges believers to make the most of every opportunity and recognize the value of time. However, the distractions and busyness of modern life often lead to wasted time and missed opportunities to serve and grow.
Helping the Poor and Needy
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17
As Christians, we have an obligation to reflect God’s love by caring for the poor and needy. Unfortunately, we often neglect this command in favor of our personal comfort. Prioritizing our convenience over helping others shows our ignorance of the very essence of our faith. The Bible calls us to embrace acts of compassion to align more closely with God’s call to serve and love others.
Meditation on God’s Word
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.” – Psalm 1:2
Modern society is filled with constant distractions, making it challenging for Christians to meditate and reflect on God’s words. This practice requires mindfulness and intentionality, and it is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. When we fail to set aside time for reflection, we risk missing out on the transformative work that God wants to do in our lives.
Confessing Our Sins
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
In a culture that values self-sufficiency, the humility required for confession has become increasingly rare. As Christians, we should remind ourselves of this Biblical command that promotes healing and accountability.
Evangelism
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus’ final command to His disciples was to make disciples of all nations. Every believer is called to share the good news of Christ with others. However, with cancel culture prevalent in today’s society, many modern Christians may hesitate to fulfill this command, fearing backlash or rejection. Despite these challenges, we should continue our mission of sharing the gospel.
Being a Light to the World
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
To be a light to the world means living in a way that reflects Christ’s love and truth. Many modern Christians struggle with this command due to the fear of standing out or facing opposition. However, if we remain true to our convictions and boldly live out our faith, we can effectively shine Christ’s light and make a meaningful impact in the world.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.