I’m so tired of Christians whining about “anti-Christian sentiment.” Who in the world can blame people for being anti-Christian, given the behavior of many who call themselves Christian. Yes, I know there are some people who would resent us no matter what, but I doubt that they are the majority. Though we call ourselves Christ-followers, say we love Him and want to be like Him — much of the time we’re not.
Here are a few comparisons:
- Jesus: He loved and cared for everyone equally — rich, poor, beautiful, ugly
- Us: We discriminate based on socio-economic status, skin color, looks, clothing, nationality — and even sometimes denomination.
- Jesus: He sacrificed — yes, He gave it all, but He also made smaller sacrifices on a daily basis. He had no material possessions, gave of Himself to minister to people even at the end of a long day, and forgave those who tortured Him.
- Us: We walk right by people in need and do nothing. We can’t be bothered. Too busy. We believe that we are entitled to what we have because we “work hard.” We forget that the gifts that allow us to make the money come from Him, not ourselves.
- Jesus: He never failed to give glory to His Heavenly Father.
- Us: We always want the credit — and none of the blame.
- Jesus: He didn’t wear expensive clothes, probably didn’t cut his hair
- Us: Some of us seem to think that when He returns, He will be wearing an Armani suit and a Zegna tie; after all that is the only proper church attire.
A former senior pastor of mine used to say that we should always be winsome in our ways. I love that word — winsome. What it meant to me was that we have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a way that attracts people rather than repels them. Many of us think that as long as we speak “the truth,” we can leave out the love.
So at the end of time, if there are still people who are unbelievers, it will be on us as well as them. Because we were too busy being “right” to listen or care. Because we cared more about telling them they are going to Hell than forming relationships which lead to trust. Because we focused too much on what people wear to church, whether or not the electric guitar can really be an instrument of worship (heck, yeah!) or whether someone has a glass of wine or two than doing what He told us to do: making disciples.
Related posts:
Funny you should mention that — it’s next on my reading list. My husband bought it for me, then stole it. And he’s a bit of a slow reader.
Oh i totally agree. You should read “unChristain”. Its a book that goes right along with what your talking about.