If you notice these 6 behaviors, you’re dealing with a fake Christian

If you’re reading this, there’s a high probability that you’ve encountered someone who professes to be a Christian but their actions suggest otherwise.

We’ve all come across such individuals at some point — in our families, social circles, or even amongst our colleagues.

My initiation into this perplexing paradox was with a neighbor who was quick to quote the Bible, yet his behavior was far from what Christianity teaches.

I tried understanding, conversing, even confronting — but nothing seemed to work.

Eventually, I realized maintaining distance was the best course of action.

Dealing with such hypocrisy can be draining, but there are wise ways to navigate it. Here are six signs I wish I’d recognized earlier.

1) Judging others excessively

This was a trait that I observed quite often in the individual I described in the introduction.

He was quick to judge…but slow to self-reflect.

His conversations were riddled with criticisms of others’ lifestyles, decisions, or beliefs. However, he rarely took a moment to introspect or assess his own actions.

To truly identify if you’re dealing with a fake Christian, you must pay attention to this behavior. Genuine Christianity encourages love, acceptance, and understanding, not constant judgment of others.

While this may seem like an obvious sign, it’s often overlooked or dismissed. However, it plays a crucial role in identifying the authenticity of a person’s faith.

2) Lack of empathy towards others

Reflecting back on my experiences with the so-called Christian neighbor, another trait that stood out was his lack of empathy.

It was ironic that he could quickly quote scripture off the top of his head, but be ever so slow to show compassion towards others.

His words were often filled with platitudes, yet actions that showcased empathy were scarce. He seemed more interested in appearing virtuous than actually being virtuous.

Realizing this is crucial when you’re trying to identify a fake Christian. Authentic Christianity calls for compassion, kindness and understanding towards all.

It sounds straightforward, doesn’t it?

Indeed, it is. However, it can be easy to overlook this under the veil of religious jargon and virtuous posturing.

So, how do we identify this trait?

Pay attention to their reactions in situations requiring compassion or understanding. Do they express genuine concern or do they merely pay lip service?

Instead of just hearing their words, observe their actions. By doing this, we can discern whether their faith is genuine or just a facade. 

3) Using faith as an excuse

Another alarming pattern I noticed in my neighbor’s behavior was his tendency to use faith as an excuse.

Like I said, he was proficient at quoting scripture, and it really came in handy because he often used it to justify his faults.

Whether it was avoiding responsibilities, breaking promises, or being unkind, he always seemed to have a Bible verse handy to defend his actions. This misuse of faith was not only misleading but also damaging.

True Christians, on the other hand, practice responsibility, integrity, and kindness in everything they do. In other words, they really walk the talk. 

4) Overemphasis on public prayer

During my interactions with my neighbor, I noticed an unusual emphasis on public prayer.

Whether it was at community gatherings, family dinners, or casual meetups, he seemed eager to lead the prayer — not out of humility or reverence, but to be seen praying. This overemphasis on public prayer often masked a lack of private devotion.

I would say it reminded me of the Pharisees who made a huge show of being outwardly devout and religious, but were sorely lacking in real spiritual understanding. 

Genuine Christianity encourages private prayer and a personal relationship with God, not using prayer as a performance for public approval.

Watch for the balance between their public and private devotion. Do they only pray when others are around? Are their prayers more about performance than sincere communication with God?

5) Inconsistent application of moral standards

Another disturbing trait I observed in my neighbor was his inconsistent application of moral standards.

He would often sermonize about honesty, kindness, and integrity, yet his actions weren’t always in line with these principles. His moral compass seemed to waver depending on the situation.

As I mentioned earlier, true Christians are consistent in words and actions. You’ll notice a consistent practice of moral principles, not selective application when it suits their convenience.

I’ve always believed that this is what truly separates genuine from fake Christians. We are, after all, what we do, not what we say we are.

6) Absence of self-improvement

The final trait I observed in my neighbor was his lack of self-improvement. A perfect example of someone who could dish out advice to others, but not follow it himself. 

Despite his professed faith, he showed little to no interest in personal growth or spiritual development. This complacency contradicted the Christian belief in continuous growth and striving to be more Christ-like.

A genuine Christian knows they are an imperfect, flawed being. They know that the Christian life isn’t easy, because it’s hard to make the right choices every time! 

Still, they stick with it and constantly strive for spiritual growth because their intentions are pure. They do want to become better people. 

So observe their commitment to personal development. Are they striving for spiritual growth, or are they content with just appearing religious?

The answer to that should give you an idea if you’re dealing with a fake Christian or not. 

Embrace your journey towards authenticity

True faith is reflected not just in words but in consistent actions and genuine lifestyle choices.

While it’s not our place to judge the personal faith journeys of others, understanding these signs can protect you from potential deceit and help foster more sincere and meaningful relationships within your spiritual community.

So, stay observant and seek to build connections with those who truly live their values.

In light of this, I believe the “Free Your Mind” masterclass by Rudá Iandê could provide invaluable insights. This masterclass is designed to help you transcend limiting beliefs and embrace your full potential – a crucial step in dealing with fake Christians.

Rudá Iandê is a world-renowned shaman who provides powerful guidance on developing your own spiritual path with freedom and autonomy. His teachings will not only help you identify and deal with fake Christians but will also empower you to strengthen your own faith.

I invite you to take this journey towards freedom and authenticity. Embrace this opportunity to delve deeper into your spirituality and empower yourself to navigate the challenges that come your way.

You can access this life-changing masterclass here. Remember, this is not just about dealing with fake Christians; it’s about empowering yourself on your spiritual journey.