Are You a ‘Potted Christian’? Check These 5 Signs

Throughout the Bible we often see the word “planted” being used in the scriptures. The verb ‘planted’ simply means: to put or set in the ground for growth. Here is what Psalms 92:13-14, NKJV says, “those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing”.

Or, in other words, as a child of God if you do not see yourself flourishing in your spirit, soul and body, problem could be: Either you are NOT planted, only potted or you are planted in the wrong place (church). Or you could be attending church all your life, and you may be thinking you are planted, but you are only potted!

Here are some signs of a potted Christian:

1. Potted plants are easily transferable

Just like potted plants which can be moved from place to place, potted Christians move from church to church. They never honour the fact that God has planted them in a particular church for a reason. Unlike the trees planted in the ground, whose roots go deep despite all resistance, potted Christians are quick to uproot themselves from the body of Christ for reasons such as unforgiveness, offence, pride, self glory etc, carrying their baggage wherever they go. For them, fellowship is just a formality. They often dishonour the spiritual authority over their lives and are quick to blame everything else except themselves.

2. Potted plants are often for show

To quote Pastor Francis Chan, “Jesus spoke about more than feelings and emotions. He spoke of literal sacrifices that would disrupt our lives and possible end them.( Luke 9:57-62). If your live doesn’t show the sacrifices you make for Jesus, your love for Jesus is questionable.”

3. Potted plants have limited growth

Unlike the trees that are planted in the ground, potted plants have limited growth. The roots of the trees that are planted in soil can go up to 200% times more deeper than potted plants and because of this, these trees are able to withstand every adverse season.

Potted Christians live shallow and lukewarm lives. Their one leg is in the world and one leg in the church. This is not the mark of a true disciple. That’s why if you look at their lives there is hardly any spiritual growth as there is no real hunger for the Word. They keep sharing the same age-old testimonies and revelations, and when trials come, they start doubting and questioning the Word of God. They love Jesus, but from the comfort zones of their pots. You see, as someone puts it: Jesus cannot be just liked. His claims make us either kill him or crown him.

4. Potted plants need care and frequent watering

Potted plants need lot of care and frequent watering because the soil dries out quickly in containers. You got to constantly feed them, dust them. Also because they may not get optimum amount of light or moisture they need- there are high chances of fungal or bacterial infection.
Potted Christians are highly offensive! Because their eyes are so focussed on themselves and their needs all the time. They are dependent on the revelation of others and need constant pushing in order to grow. They are often shaky and allow the problems of the world to take a hold of them rather than vice versa.

5. Potted plants need to be turned

…so they don’t become bent over from leaning into sunlight.

Potted Christians have skewed doctrines based on their limited knowledge of God’s Word and do not conform to the heart of the gospel. And they like to hear only ear tickling messages and prophetic words. They are biased in their thinking and not open to corrections or disciple. As 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears from the truth and turn aside to myths.

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