Are Christians making more Christians or more atheists?
Posted on May 7th, 2008 in On Faith, Personal Messages, Rants | No Comments »
The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.
Quite possibly the most famous of Manning’s quotes, the above statement is both profoundly moving and disturbingly true. Sadly, I identify as a Christian. Even more sad is that I can almost certify that I have been responsible, to some extent, to someone’s distorted view of what a Christian is.
I have been thinking a lot recently about what it means to be a Christian in today’s very secular world. I have also thought about the great commission and the greatest of the commandments Jesus gave us. Namely my thoughts have turned to how a Christian is supposed to “go into the world and preach the gospel” and “love our neighbors as ourselves”.
You ever wonder how people’s views of a Christian get planted and developed? There are people that think that Christians are crazy, judgmental, hypocritical, lazy and mean. And these people are 100% right. There are some Christians that are exactly that. To the defense of Christians though I do want to point that there are plenty of non-Christians that are the same way. It is just that no one expects non-Christians to live according to the Christian lifestyle and ideals.
So what would ever give the impression that a Christian, just by being Christian, is not the epitome of Godly love? That is a simple one. Christians.
So many times I have been in a position to show the love of God through reaching out, helping out, encouraging, accepting, loving and praying and have not done any of those things. So many times I have been in a position to be sympathetic, empathetic or understanding yet I have judged, criticized and belittled.
I curse people out on the freeways. I let my eyes land on and stay on women too long. I speak harshly toward my wife and children. I harbor unforgiveness toward people. I doubt God’s ability to perform miracles yet today.
I have defiled my temple (my body). I have robbed God of tithes. I have lied. I have pointed and laughed. I have thought that some people are literally a lost cause.
I am, as a Christian, the very reason that some people will not ever taste the freedom of heaven that God offers. No, I am not perfect. That is why I need Christ. Yes, I am tore up from the floor up. That is why I need forgiveness of sin and cleansing by the blood of Christ.
I am, as a Christian, just like the guy that is not a Christian. The only difference between he and I is that I have a loving savior that accepts me just as I am, broken, dirty, unworthy and unable. He loves me right where I stand, flaws and all. He wants to fellowship with me even though I am jacked up. I repent of my sins and He is quick to forgive me. I am the apple of His eye.
And the same is true for everyone. God loves everyone and wants to fellowship with everyone. We are all his children and He wants us to want to spend time with daddy.
If I have ever done anything to anyone reading this that has led you to conclude that Christians are anything other than the embodiment of Christ’s love I apologize. I ask your forgiveness.
And if you are a Christian, now is a great time to look inward at who you are and ask if you are mimicking the love that Christ showed when he was walking the Earth. He left is a great example of how to love our fellow man.
I bet when we start showing that love the way He did more folks will be open to receiving it and less prone to labeling Christians as anything other than loving.