What Is A Pop Tart Christian?

Contrary to what some seem to believe, there’s no such thing as a Pop Tart Christian.

Strong and mature Christians do not simply pop out of the oven overnight.
The fruit of the Spirit takes time to grow in a person.

I read the quote above and immediately thought about pop tarts. Unlike the picture on the left, there was practically nothing inside.  Very little filling compared to the dough.  Not unlike a new Christian.  Or even an “old” Christian who was satisfied with the initial “committing their life to Jesus” – and then does nothing after that.  Someone who doesn’t allow the Holy Spirit to fill them and guide their lives.

I first wrote this about five years ago – May 2016. If anything, I feel more strongly about this concept of Pop Tart Christians more than ever. I fear that too many, especially maybe in the Evangelical Christian circles, promote this kind of thinking. Maybe it’s intentional. Maybe it’s not. But from what I see, read and hear, it sounds too much like Christianity light.

Say a few “magic words”, aka the so-called Sinner’s Prayer, and be saved. Maybe it’s even true. But from what I understand of Jesus’ teachings and what His words meant in the time, culture, and context of the world when He walked the earth, He asked for more than just that. Much more.

And so, I fear that too many will be on the outside looking in. And wondering. How come Jesus says He doesn’t know me?

With that, let’s get back to the updated and expanded version of Pop Tart Christians.