Sometimes Christians can be the worst example of what our relationship with Jesus should look like! I've even heard some non believers call out the behaviors of Christians and asking them to explain their hypocritical actions or words. Not a pretty sight and perhaps one that defines why so many people run when you tell them your a Christian. In fact, no other religion is dissected as much or held up to such high standards as that of a Christian. Why is that?
First of all let us gain an understanding of what being a Christian really is? It is NOT a religion. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus we are instructed to act in certain way that everything we do, say or even think, points to Christ. This is why others are so quick to judge our actions, words or even thoughts against those standards. Even they understand what we are so quick to defend.
However, we are forgiven when we fall short and trust me, we ALL fall short every single day. We are in no way perfect, but the world expects us to be. This is where we can all be a whole lot more humble in accepting criticism from others.
We ALL still live in a world filled with sin, which means that Christians are tempted in the very same way that unbelievers are, whether it's through addictions like smoking, alcohol, drugs, sex or even dealing with things like emotions such as anger, sadness or even impatience.
The Bible says that ALL have sinned which means every single one of us, even Christians still sin. Romans 3:23 (NIV) "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," However there is a difference in believers, which means we simply need to realize it and ask for forgiveness and attempt not to sin again.
Well you might say that you're a good person, you don't do anything wrong, you live a good life and help others whenever you can. But the Bible is very clear that just being a good person doesn't get you into Heaven. Only a belief in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made in your behalf, a confession of your sins, and a willingness to live a different life will gain you a place in heaven. There is NO other way. None. John 14:6, "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If you don't like that statement, you'll have to take it up with Jesus, not other Christians. We follow what Jesus says because we believe the Bible and that it is the Word of God.
So what do you say to all those who call Christians hypocrites and that we shouldn't follow them? You agree with them. The Bible states clearly we are NOT to follow other Christians, but to follow Christ. He is the only person who lived a perfect life. All others will merely fall short of that perfection in this world. Jesus Christ is the standard we are all trying to live our lives more like. Let's make sure that everything we think, do or say speaks loudly of what Jesus Christ is doing in our lives and truly points the way to Him.
Matthew 16:24, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
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3 comments:
Amen to your words. May we be covered with the dust of the Rabbi, as we follow Him. Jesus offers us Everything.
Our rector said something I thought was odd the other Sunday: 'Christ has no grandchildren, only children.' But after thinking about it I realise it is, or should be, true. And that in a way is just what you are saying, if one follows other Christians it would make one a grandchild, and that is not at all what Christ offers.
So yes, totally agree with you here!!
So very well said. Our gaze should never be on fellow Christians, except to hold each other accountable; it should always be on Christ. Can you imagine a Christian church where the people are so focused on Christ that they truly begin to live lives of love, grace, and mercy reflective of Him? That is what the world wants to see- and they do not understand that they need to look at Christ. Because of that, CHRISTIANS need to look more closely at Christ, less at each other, and in that way point the way for the unbelievers to look. :)
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