I love God's people. They've been great friends over the years.

At the same time, some members of the church don't always act in Christian ways. Some are simply not saved, but others act like they do because they're still undiscipled believers.

Here are some signs of undiscipled believers:

1. They quote Scripture that doesn't exist. "The Bible says _____," they say—though the Bible doesn't say that.

2. They fight for their own way. Their self-centeredness and selfishness are evidence of their lack of discipleship.

3. They have little interest in evangelism or missions. Truly knowing and following God result in doing both of these tasks, but undiscipled people have little interest in either.

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4. They give few dollars to God's work. It's not often because they have few dollars to give; rather, it's because they've not been taught the responsibility of Christian stewardship.

5. They seldom read the Bible, and they pray even less often. Spiritual disciplines are not a part of their lives.

6. They rationalize their sin. It's never their fault.

7. They tear down other believers who are growing in their faith. Others who are genuinely becoming more Christlike become a threat to undiscipled believers.

8. They make unwise and often ungodly decisions. That is, they have no godly grounding to guide them as they make choices.

9. They don't hold a biblical theology—but they think they do. They've not been equipped enough to recognize their own faulty theological positions.

10. They assume their long-term faithfulness to church attendance proves their Christianity. In fact, they assume their faithfulness guarantees them power and position in a church—even if their life gives little evidence of Christian growth.

For another look at this same issue, see my post, "10 Differences Between Baby Believers and Believers Who Are Babies."

Chuck Lawless is dean of doctoral studies and vice president of spiritual formation and ministry centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. In addition, he is team leader for theological education strategists for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

For the original article, visit chucklawless.com.

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