Coconut
Member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2005
- Messages
- 4,663
Disclaimer - I did`nt write this, but I can see the writing on the wall.
Stop acting like a Christian!
Oh wow. That got ya here, didn’t it? Well… Um, now that I have your attention, I’d like to say something. First, specifically, to the non-believers who clicked in out of curiosity. I just want a second. No hidden agendas – I’m going to be very honest and upfront with you. Here goes:
Please don’t judge our Christ by the actions of every Christian.
I know I know… it shouldn’t be that way, but there are many broken things in this world. And that includes those of us who absolutely adore Jesus Christ and what he did for us. I also know there are a bunch of Christians reading this wondering “just what on earth is she about to say?! I want you to stick around as well. Please do! But, I’m warning you – sit down, buckle up, and hold on. Don’t hate me when we’re all done here. My intent isn’t to point fingers at anyone– but to hold up a mirror so that we, as a whole, can see the huge blemish forming right smack dab in the middle of our foreheads. The worst part is that I fear everyone can see it but us. Thus, the need for the mirror. I’m not speaking on behalf of anyone; I’m just sharing what’s on my heart.
I am new(ish) to living a sold-out life for Jesus. Ohmygosh, sue me. Anyway, like I’ve said before, I believed as a child – but the whole notion of “being” a Christian repulsed me. I didn’t want to “act” like a Christian because, frankly, the actions of many Christians turned me smooth away from the church. I felt Him, I just didn’t see a lot of Him in those who bore His name. Not to mention, I didn’t accept Christ so that I could play a role or point out how “wrong” everyone else’s theology was. So, I ran the other way knowing that Jesus resided in my heart, but before knowing in my head how that should play out in my life.
You Christians still with me? Shall I cue the dancing monkeys?
Christians have been notorious for trying to “sanitize non-believers” as author (and Ms. Awesome, herself), Christine Caine puts it. In my opinion, we’ve been caught red-handed trying to dump our ideas, theologies, and laws onto people who don’t believe the way we do.
As if it’s our job to “save” others, and what’s worse is that we do it all in the name of spreading the gospel.
When was the last time someone won you over by attacking your beliefs? Questioning them (respectfully!) isn’t the problem, but how do we even do that without essentially showing others that their lives and choices are so screwed up that they need all the help they can get? Naturally, like a door-to-door salesman, we have just the thing they need. For the low-low price of your raised hand, your mouth confession, or you walking to the altar when prompted; we’ll give you everything you need to act like brand new Christian!!
That’s it – cue the **** monkeys. I’m sure plenty of my brothers & sisters are ready to cut me loose and send me packing…
The problem is, Jesus didn’t tell us to point out where everyone is wrong and then give them the antidote… He simply instructed us to “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). And, in my opinion, we’re doing that. So much so that we’re pushing others away in the name of love!!
(Sing it with me, “STOP!!!!!! IN THE NAAAME OF LOVE!!!!” – Oh what, everybody looooooves a flash mob in the middle of a mall – but when I do it on a soap box in a blog post, no one wants to join me…?!)
Anyway, when I look around – I see so many of us defending our beliefs in an effort to convince the non-Christian that ours is the right way. While I personally do believe that Jesus is the risen son of God, I also believe everything He told us to do. He said loving God and our neighbor are of equal importance (Matt 22:37-40). He didn’t say to go running around with the club of condemnation and whack everyone up ‘side the head who says that we’re crazy for believing the way we do. I think we do that in our words, actions, choices, withdrawal from society, hiding out, and holding back.
Joh 17:15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one.
Joh 17:16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
Joh 17:17 "Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.
Joh 17:18 Just as you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
We want to talk about being “In the world, but not of it…” Are you really “in” the world while driving your Christian decaled cars, listening to your Christian music, on your way to biblestudy, while your children sing “the Veggie Tales theme song” from the backseat, while wondering about what Christian homeschool curriculum to use next year?
Oh wait… that’s me. Who have I become ?! Don’t judge. I’m a person who can’t get enough of Jesus and subsequently has the outward appearance of a Christian. There’s nothing wrong with looking like (or being) a Christian, unless it pulls me away from actually doing life with and loving non-believers. The strength I get from studying the Word will help me to actually live and love during my short time on this earth. If I let it…
This reminds me of something I recently read… We all know very well that during the Last Supper, Jesus said his body was broken and given for us and his blood was poured out as a sacrifice. “Do this to remember me”, He said. What if, we took Christ literally on his instruction…? What if we love and serve so fully that we allow ourselves to be broken and poured out for one another…? That’s true love right there. So true that Jesus Himself even said it in John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
So then tell me, fellow Christian, how did you come to Christ? Like really come to Christ. Not when you raised your hand or walked forward, but when did you finally know that it wasn’t about religion, rules, or ritual, but that it was all about KNOWING Jesus as your savior? What was it like taking time to find out for yourself, getting to know, and talking with Jesus? Was it because someone labled you a heathen? Is it when they told you that you’d surely burn in Hell? Was it because someone essentially called out all of your faults? The stories are as individual as our DNA, but I’d like to venture and say it wasn’t because they crammed their beliefs down your throat.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit that convicts man of sin (John 16:8), not ours. We are told to not extinguish the fire of the Holy Spirit’s work. You were drawn to Christ because of Love. It’s indisputable, God is love. (1 John 4:8) By God’s hand is the ONLY way that someone can be drawn to Him. (John 6:44).
In the meantime, we are called to Love – and let Christ shine through our love and beckon others to Himself. When we focus our actions on becoming more like Christ, people can’t help but stop and take notice.
We be us. God be God.
Do you see this beautiful cycle?
God is love -> We love others -> Love draws others near -> Others meet God.
We aren’t an exclusive club, where you have to throw off your identity and commit to doing “Christian” things. If you haven’t noticed, a lot of our “christian behavior” is scaring off the non-believers. How are we to go and make disciples, if those prospects can’t even stand to be around us?!
If we truly take a look at the life of Jesus, He didn’t coerce people into believing in Him. He simply loved them. Jesus touched people’s lives in miraculous ways, and subsequently many believed. They talked with Him, they listened as He spoke to the crowds, and they saw how He loved without hesitation. The people were then left with a choice.
Our job, is to simply show the love of Jesus, share the gospel, and leave the people with a choice. Now, how we go about showing that love is where it gets muddy – but I am nearly positive it isn’t in pointing out each other’s faults. I’m still trying to learn to love how Jesus loved, and plan to spend my entire life learning.
Jesus doesn’t need me to defend Him nor does He want me looking down my nose at those who refuse the gift of eternal life. My job is to simply love (and continually pray for) those whom He has put in my life! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go find a paper bag in which to breathe, because I think I’m hyperventilating.
Stop acting like a Christian! Just be one.
Stop acting like a Christian!
Oh wow. That got ya here, didn’t it? Well… Um, now that I have your attention, I’d like to say something. First, specifically, to the non-believers who clicked in out of curiosity. I just want a second. No hidden agendas – I’m going to be very honest and upfront with you. Here goes:
Please don’t judge our Christ by the actions of every Christian.
I know I know… it shouldn’t be that way, but there are many broken things in this world. And that includes those of us who absolutely adore Jesus Christ and what he did for us. I also know there are a bunch of Christians reading this wondering “just what on earth is she about to say?! I want you to stick around as well. Please do! But, I’m warning you – sit down, buckle up, and hold on. Don’t hate me when we’re all done here. My intent isn’t to point fingers at anyone– but to hold up a mirror so that we, as a whole, can see the huge blemish forming right smack dab in the middle of our foreheads. The worst part is that I fear everyone can see it but us. Thus, the need for the mirror. I’m not speaking on behalf of anyone; I’m just sharing what’s on my heart.
I am new(ish) to living a sold-out life for Jesus. Ohmygosh, sue me. Anyway, like I’ve said before, I believed as a child – but the whole notion of “being” a Christian repulsed me. I didn’t want to “act” like a Christian because, frankly, the actions of many Christians turned me smooth away from the church. I felt Him, I just didn’t see a lot of Him in those who bore His name. Not to mention, I didn’t accept Christ so that I could play a role or point out how “wrong” everyone else’s theology was. So, I ran the other way knowing that Jesus resided in my heart, but before knowing in my head how that should play out in my life.
You Christians still with me? Shall I cue the dancing monkeys?
Christians have been notorious for trying to “sanitize non-believers” as author (and Ms. Awesome, herself), Christine Caine puts it. In my opinion, we’ve been caught red-handed trying to dump our ideas, theologies, and laws onto people who don’t believe the way we do.
As if it’s our job to “save” others, and what’s worse is that we do it all in the name of spreading the gospel.
When was the last time someone won you over by attacking your beliefs? Questioning them (respectfully!) isn’t the problem, but how do we even do that without essentially showing others that their lives and choices are so screwed up that they need all the help they can get? Naturally, like a door-to-door salesman, we have just the thing they need. For the low-low price of your raised hand, your mouth confession, or you walking to the altar when prompted; we’ll give you everything you need to act like brand new Christian!!
That’s it – cue the **** monkeys. I’m sure plenty of my brothers & sisters are ready to cut me loose and send me packing…
The problem is, Jesus didn’t tell us to point out where everyone is wrong and then give them the antidote… He simply instructed us to “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). And, in my opinion, we’re doing that. So much so that we’re pushing others away in the name of love!!
(Sing it with me, “STOP!!!!!! IN THE NAAAME OF LOVE!!!!” – Oh what, everybody looooooves a flash mob in the middle of a mall – but when I do it on a soap box in a blog post, no one wants to join me…?!)
Anyway, when I look around – I see so many of us defending our beliefs in an effort to convince the non-Christian that ours is the right way. While I personally do believe that Jesus is the risen son of God, I also believe everything He told us to do. He said loving God and our neighbor are of equal importance (Matt 22:37-40). He didn’t say to go running around with the club of condemnation and whack everyone up ‘side the head who says that we’re crazy for believing the way we do. I think we do that in our words, actions, choices, withdrawal from society, hiding out, and holding back.
Joh 17:15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one.
Joh 17:16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
Joh 17:17 "Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.
Joh 17:18 Just as you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
We want to talk about being “In the world, but not of it…” Are you really “in” the world while driving your Christian decaled cars, listening to your Christian music, on your way to biblestudy, while your children sing “the Veggie Tales theme song” from the backseat, while wondering about what Christian homeschool curriculum to use next year?
Oh wait… that’s me. Who have I become ?! Don’t judge. I’m a person who can’t get enough of Jesus and subsequently has the outward appearance of a Christian. There’s nothing wrong with looking like (or being) a Christian, unless it pulls me away from actually doing life with and loving non-believers. The strength I get from studying the Word will help me to actually live and love during my short time on this earth. If I let it…
This reminds me of something I recently read… We all know very well that during the Last Supper, Jesus said his body was broken and given for us and his blood was poured out as a sacrifice. “Do this to remember me”, He said. What if, we took Christ literally on his instruction…? What if we love and serve so fully that we allow ourselves to be broken and poured out for one another…? That’s true love right there. So true that Jesus Himself even said it in John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
So then tell me, fellow Christian, how did you come to Christ? Like really come to Christ. Not when you raised your hand or walked forward, but when did you finally know that it wasn’t about religion, rules, or ritual, but that it was all about KNOWING Jesus as your savior? What was it like taking time to find out for yourself, getting to know, and talking with Jesus? Was it because someone labled you a heathen? Is it when they told you that you’d surely burn in Hell? Was it because someone essentially called out all of your faults? The stories are as individual as our DNA, but I’d like to venture and say it wasn’t because they crammed their beliefs down your throat.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit that convicts man of sin (John 16:8), not ours. We are told to not extinguish the fire of the Holy Spirit’s work. You were drawn to Christ because of Love. It’s indisputable, God is love. (1 John 4:8) By God’s hand is the ONLY way that someone can be drawn to Him. (John 6:44).
In the meantime, we are called to Love – and let Christ shine through our love and beckon others to Himself. When we focus our actions on becoming more like Christ, people can’t help but stop and take notice.
We be us. God be God.
Do you see this beautiful cycle?
God is love -> We love others -> Love draws others near -> Others meet God.
We aren’t an exclusive club, where you have to throw off your identity and commit to doing “Christian” things. If you haven’t noticed, a lot of our “christian behavior” is scaring off the non-believers. How are we to go and make disciples, if those prospects can’t even stand to be around us?!
If we truly take a look at the life of Jesus, He didn’t coerce people into believing in Him. He simply loved them. Jesus touched people’s lives in miraculous ways, and subsequently many believed. They talked with Him, they listened as He spoke to the crowds, and they saw how He loved without hesitation. The people were then left with a choice.
Our job, is to simply show the love of Jesus, share the gospel, and leave the people with a choice. Now, how we go about showing that love is where it gets muddy – but I am nearly positive it isn’t in pointing out each other’s faults. I’m still trying to learn to love how Jesus loved, and plan to spend my entire life learning.
Jesus doesn’t need me to defend Him nor does He want me looking down my nose at those who refuse the gift of eternal life. My job is to simply love (and continually pray for) those whom He has put in my life! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go find a paper bag in which to breathe, because I think I’m hyperventilating.
Stop acting like a Christian! Just be one.
I myself am learning this, by the grace of God, more and more every day. Even I, as a Christian, have been around other Christians who intimidate me because I know they won't think I'm "good enough." I have had Christian friends question my faith because I sinned around them. Seriously! I had a Christian friend who was called demonic - by another Christian - for being sarcastic. How is this loving?! If we can't love our fellow Christians, how can we love those who are not? If we push our fellow Christians away from us, how will we draw in those who are not? 
