Recently Ruthy from Discovery Street wrote a blog (and a wonderful follow-up) about my statement above. She wanted to get people's honest reaction to that statement, "I'm a Christian", and it was interesting to see the many different reactions. Some people were excited, some indifferent, some nervous, some wary. Some responses held content like "judgmental" and "preachy" and "self-righteous". Do you have a reaction?
A few responses you could tell there a was a bit more thought put behind their comments. Such as: "If brought before a judge and accused of being Christian, would you get convicted based on the evidence of your life? I think you would Ruthy, which goes beyond stating "I am a Christian." Another girl posted,"I'll be honest though - I haven't always been a Christian (thought I was, but really wasn't living it so wasn't)...And after becoming a Christian - when someone says they are - I feel curious - because so many people identify with the label, but aren't really. And I also get tense, because I see so many versions across the board that I never know what's going to happen. And that just makes me sad. But it is the truth."
I have a couple responses... to the responses. First, I do agree with one comment in that the term of Christian is so loosely thrown around in today's society its hard to really know what to expect with the label. For example, in the good 'ole South, EVERYONE will call them self a Christian, Bible Belt of America we're called. Our society is taught to wake up Sunday morning, put on your Sunday dress, grab your Bible from the shelf (its home during the week) and head down to the community church to hear "the preach'n". We say hello to neighbors and friends, say "See you next Sunday" and head to the nearby restaurant for lunch. Anyone relate? Does that make you a christian? Going to church? Another comment stated, "Christian get a bad rap". I think we do. Maybe its because as Christ-followers we're supposed to be held to Christ's standards. However, because no one is perfect (except Christ) we fail, over and over even though we're told to imitate Him. Then there will be the response, "Yeah, and she calls herself a Christian!" We are called judgmental (when God's word, the Bible, clearly says don't judge! (Romans 14:13) We're called self- righteous (when Philippians 2:3 says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.") And so non believers in Christ, instead of just rejecting our actions, reject our belief as well. Your actions should reflect your heart (John 15), but does one action (good/bad) define you? Actually, it doesn't. But its easy to just stick a label on it...
hey, thanks for your response. It IS a difficult subject and I think its important we "discuss" faith instead of debate faith.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right! I like how put that! "discuss faith instead of debate faith" thank you for the reminder! its easy for a discussion to turn into a debate!
ReplyDeleteAmen to so much of what you just said. I often times feel scared to even bring up "the C word" with people... it brings so many emotions and has so so so much baggage with it. I think a lot of people (including myself) have been very badly hurt by well meaning Christians and the church in general and it's so easy to become cynical or jaded. What I usually end up telling people when I talk to them about my faith is that I've never been really good at fitting in with Christianity as an organized religion but I'm not ready to give up on Jesus yet. Mainly because through all of my faults and failures He has never, ever given up on me.... and at the end of the day that is what Christianity is to me and that is what matters....
ReplyDeleteLove, Hope and Faith.
Great post and thanks for your genuine honesty, it's so appreciated :)
thanks for this post! very encouraging and brave :)
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