I read this paragraph in the book, Pop Goes the Church and
it got me thinking… Most non-Christians don’t have a problem with Christ but
with Christians or even the Church today. That’s what this book is about –
however, what caught my eye was this,
“Christians
are known as hypocritical, too focused on getting converts, homophobic,
sheltered, too political, and judgmental.” What’s bothered me over the last
couple months is that I’ve been called at least 3 of those.
It’s easy to appear like a hypocrite. No-one is perfect, but
when we label something ‘wrong’ and then do it we become hypocritical. As much
as I try to emulate my King I’m not perfect, but I’m not afraid to call it what
it is – SIN. And I strive every day to please the One who created me and paid
for my sin. While doing that I’m not just called hypocritical when I mess up
but then scorned for trying to live a God honoring life. I’m questioned and accused
of putting on a show! How can someone find fault on both sides?
Since Christ gave everything for us why wouldn’t we want
others to share in the gift that He gave? Don’t we want more people to come to
Christ or be “converted”? By being salt and light to this world we are accused
of being too focused on the most important decision a person can make on this
Earth.
Homosexuality. I believe it’s wrong but it doesn’t mean I can’t
love those who are. I know and have meet people who are and I hope that they
don’t think I’m ‘homophobic’ but I disagree with their lifestyle. Back to point
one – its sin. Let’s call it what it is.
Along these same lines, the government is starting to become
very lax in the ways that they view marriage. I’m concerned about how my tax
money is being spent and the ethics of our leaders. We will have to live with
the consequences of the decisions made by our leaders today. Isn’t that something I can discuses or does
this make me too political?
I know I’m sheltered, but I’m proud of that. I like how my
parents have protected me as much as they have from the harmful things of this
world (And they did it without smothering me). Good Job! I can’t believe that have
been called ‘sheltered’ in a condescending sort of way. Why wasn’t it
refreshing that I don’t swear like a sailor, or know all of the sexual terminology,
or smoke pot, or whatever it is that I haven’t experienced that might be
culturally acceptable.
I’ve said it before and ill say it again. Let’s call sin
what it is – Sin. If that makes me judgmental then I am! I’ll live with that.
In fact Paul tells us to call other believers out when we see something wrong
in their lives. I know that Jesus was the essence of love when He walked this
Earth, and in fact always has been and always will be. But too often Christians
take this love and make it the only focus. “Since Jesus loves me I can do
whatever I want.” Nope! The church of Corinthians had a big issue with this
one, and people still deal with it today. Yes, Jesus loves us, but aren’t we
supposed to show our love back by submitting our lives to His laws? And if we
don’t then do we really love Him?
What are your thoughts on the clip from Pop Goes the Church?
How do we please our Father above, show the love of Christ, and live lives
without reproach? Is that possible? I honestly would love to hear, respond here
or talk to me in person :)
