Christians Aren't Perfect--They Just Act Like It

If you were to take a poll of American people who reject Christianity, I am fairly certain that one of the top 2 or 3 answers would be the following. "Christians are Hypocrites". It caused me to question who exactly is in charge of PR for believers and why are they doing such a poor job of it. Then I reflect on many of the church environments I have been involved in and the picture begins to clear up a little. We can be pretty snobby people. What prompted this blog was actually a bumper sticker. I am sure we have all seen it. It says "Christians aren't perfect, the are just forgiven." While this is a theologically sound proposition, I am not sure that it should be the exact impression we should bring to a lost world. I am not one to shy away from Biblical truth, nor do I want to weaken the impact of the gospel, but neither would I post a bumper sticker touting the idea that "If you are not a Christian, then you are Hell bound." It is my right to proclaim Biblical truth, but it might not be wise to do it that way. Maybe if the world saw less of the US vs. THEM mentality that seems to pervade many churches, then they would not be so quick to label Christians as hypocrites. There can be nothing more disheartening than for a lost and seeking soul to enter a church where everyone acts as if they are ready for a halo. The most powerful stories come from those who have lived in the same faults and weaknesses as that lost soul, and if we will not be emotionally available and honest about our faults, how can we show the difference Jesus has made in our lives. Even if we are mature Christians (not me yet) we must never lose sight of not only what we are saved to, but also what we are saved from. This is where our vulnerability is a must. It is in sharing our weaknesses, struggles and shortcomings that we can begin to tear down the "paper Christian" that the world is viewing, and can build up the picture of a Jesus who saved us from our misery, and who is continuing the work in us. By all means, strive for excellence, but be real about it, be honest about it when you fall short. It is through our weakness that He makes us strong.

Is it Good for You?

I have often wondered what the world thinks of the fact that Christians remember with fondness the day that Jesus was killed. It certainly goes against the grain of most major world religions to look at such a seminal point with fondness. Most leaders that become martyred are mourned by their followers, but we as believers have the audacity to call this day "Good Friday" . If we look at it honestly, however, our minds are drawn to the misery and abuse that was heaped upon Jesus. If we truly realize that some of those blows were struck in our name,and that the final spear thrust was an exclamatory ending to a sentence filled with our pride and arrogance, we cannot help but be humbled. Why then is this day considered "Good"? Maybe the genesis of the goodness of this day is a direct result of the dying act of Christ on the cross. One historical figure who can surely call this a good day, certainly even his best day, is the thief on the cross. I do not know what the life of a thief was like during the lifetime of Jesus, but I can only assume it was a "profession" that one had to be desperate to engage in, given that the penalty for thievery was a disgraceful death on the cross. We do not know who this man was, what he had stolen,or how he was caught, but we do get a very clear picture of how he was set free. It is when I look at the story of this man, that I truly begin to understand the nature of Good Friday. "Remember me when you enter your kingdom". Nothing magical or mystical in this request, and the only thing profound in it is the faith that propelled this lost man to utter these words. My guess is that he was having a very bad day at the end of a very bad life, but with these few words, his string of bad days ended and what has become a day that millions have celebrated as a "good" day began. If you have uttered these words to the one who died for you, then remember that. Remember what that sacrifice means. If you have never uttered those words, or any words that place your trust and faith in the man who responded to the thief, "today you will be with me in Paradise", turn to Jesus in the midst of your string of bad days and reach for his goodness. Reach out for the man who, in the midst of being brutalized and tortured, while gasping for precious air, looked at the 'worthless" man dying next to him and saw the spiritual value in him. He sees value in you too. Will you ask for his help and make this day god for you as well?