We are probably all familiar with the expression "fair weather friends." These are people who are friendly only during good times. Their loyalty melts during times of adversity.

Some people could be classified as "fair weather Christians" for the same reason. Their commitment to God does not withstand hard times. Years ago, a man in a congregation I pastored told me, "I am in this church because things have always gone well for me. But if that ever changes, I am out of here." This is a classic example of a fair weather Christian. His loyalty was conditional upon things going well for him.

Vanishing commitment

On the other hand, there are those who cry out to God during times of trouble. But when the storm passes, their commitment vanishes. These people often seek to bargain with God. "Oh God, if you will only get me out of this, I will always do what you want me to do," they profess. But when things in their life return to normal, they forget God and continue going their own way.

Clouds

Over the years I have experienced examples of individuals burning up the phone lines pleading for spiritual guidance to steer them through severe trials. But when the circumstances changed and their lives became relatively trouble free, I never heard from them again. Their former zeal for God was apparently motivated primarily by their need for help. It has been said that there is no such thing as an atheist lost in the middle of the ocean. Those who look to God only during times of trouble could be classified as "foul weather Christians."

Both types, though opposite in terms of reasons for appealing to God, are examples of conditional commitment. Jesus describes these in the parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13. In the story, a man sows grain in a field. Some seeds land in rocky areas. Others fall among thorns or weeds. The rest settle into good soil.

The seeds in the rocky areas grow for a while, but the rocks prevent them from sinking deep roots. So the heat of the sun causes them to wither and die. Jesus likens this to someone who "who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy." But when troubles come, his commitment falters. In other words, a fair weather Christian.

The deceitfulness of riches

The seeds that germinate among thorns ultimately become choked out by the weeds. Anyone who has ever had a garden is familiar with this scenario. Jesus explains that this represents someone who allows the cares of this life and "the deceitfulness of riches" to "choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful."

The term "deceitfulness of riches" suggests that foul weather Christians fail to realize their ever-present need for God. Material comforts and easy times offer the illusion that they no longer need Him in their lives. The "cares of life" distract them to the point of becoming spiritually unresponsive and unproductive.

The seeds in the good soil grow and produce fruit despite the extremes of weather. The lesson is that God wants us to maintain our commitment, loyalty and obedience to Him through good times and bad times. We must be "all weather Christians."