Chreasters are people who only attend church on Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. The term combines the words “Christmas” and “Easter” to refer to these once-a-year churchgoers.
The Bible does not specifically mention the term “Chreaster,” but it does address the issue of commitment and devotion to the faith. Here are some key points the Bible makes about spiritual half-heartedness and being a true follower of Christ:
1. God desires wholehearted commitment, not lukewarm faith
In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus rebukes the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm in their faith: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
God wants our full, passionate devotion – not a half-hearted, inconsistent faith. Going to church occasionally while ignoring Christ the rest of the year demonstrates a lukewarm faith.
2. True faith requires bearing fruit
In Matthew 3:8, John the Baptist chastises the Pharisees and Sadducees for relying on their ancestry rather than producing fruit in keeping with repentance. Likewise, James 2:14-17 explains that faith without works is dead.
If someone claims faith in Christ but only shows up at church twice a year, with no spiritual fruit the rest of the time, it calls the genuineness of that faith into question. True saving faith manifests itself in a changed life that honors God.
3. Following Christ requires sacrifice and dedication
Jesus said his followers must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him (Luke 9:23). He tells a would-be disciple in Luke 9:57-62 that following him requires sacrifice and undivided loyalty. We can’t put relationship with Christ on hold for most of the year and think we’re devoted followers.
Many Chreasters want the celebration and festivities of Christian holidays without the sacrifice, obedience, and commitment Jesus demands. But the Christian life is a full-time, lifetime commitment.
4. We are called to love and serve God always
Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God fully (Matthew 22:37-38). But it’s impossible to love God one day a year and ignore Him the rest of the time.
Ephesians 6:7 says to serve Christ wholeheartedly. But Chreasters only serve Christ when it fits their schedule. This goes against the biblical command to serve God faithfully at all times.
5. Church is necessary for spiritual growth
Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of meeting together regularly for worship, fellowship, and mutual edification. You simply cannot grow spiritually while only occasionally participating in church life.
Chreasters miss out on preaching, communion, Bible study, and other faith-nurturing practices by only showing up twice a year. Spiritual growth requires more than just Sunday attendance – it requires week-to-week commitment and discipleship.
6. Prioritizing worldly pursuits over God demonstrates misplaced loyalty
1 John 2:15 warns us not to love the world or anything in the world. James 4:4 declares friendship with the world is hatred toward God. When other activities consistently take priority over church involvement, it reflects a heart that truly loves the world more than God.
Chreasters choose hobbies, sports, travel, and leisure over gathering with God’s people. While those things have a place, our loyalty must be to Christ first and foremost.
7. We are called to be ready for Christ’s return
In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus admonishes his followers to be ready and waiting for his return, or we risk being left out of the kingdom. Chreasters live in spiritual slumber most of the time, unprepared to meet Christ. Their nominal faith offers no oil to light their path.
As Christians, we must live in constant readiness and anticipation of Christ’s coming, vigilantly serving him and sharing the gospel while awaiting his return. Casual faith simply will not due.
8. God desires wholehearted obedience, not religious ritual
While holidays like Christmas and Easter have significant spiritual meaning, God cares more about the state of our heart than religious rituals. Amos 5:21-24 shows how God detests feasts and assemblies by people whose hearts are not right with Him the rest of the time.
Like the Pharisees, Chreasters focus on outward displays of piety twice a year but lack a sincere love for God and others. Going through the motions of Christian rituals without wholehearted devotion the rest of the time is meaningless to God.
9. Hypocrisy and inconsistency displease God
1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for hypocrisy – appearing righteous outwardly while being corrupt inwardly (Matthew 23:25-28). Likewise, Chreasters project an image of godliness on holidays that is contradicted by their overall lifestyle.
God wants integrity and consistency between our outward profession of faith and inward condition. Inconsistency and hypocrisy – saying one thing but doing another – deeply trouble God. As Christians, our walk should match our talk every day of the year.
In summary, the Bible makes it clear that godly living requires wholehearted devotion to Christ at all times. While Christmas and Easter are meaningful celebrations for believers, true faith is far more than showing up at church on the major holidays.
Chreasters miss out on the joy, purpose, growth, and blessing that come with daily fellowship with Christ and regular involvement in a Bible-believing church. Rather than an occasional, superficial faith, God calls us to passionate, enduring commitment to His Son year-round.