You’ve probably heard someone say, “She claims to be a Christian and then she does [FILL IN THE BLANK].”
It’s as if people who are Christians are supposed to be above human thoughts and emotions. We’re to be perfect and loving at all times.
Well, I (or we) aren’t perfect. We’re all human. We all make mistakes. We all hurt people. Even Christians. As much as I try, I can’t help it.
I’m broken.
The world seems to hold Christians to higher standards, thinking that we’re infallible and above human feelings and motivations. I wish that were the case. Christians are just like non-Christians except we’ve acknowledged our inability to save ourselves. We know we’re flawed. And only the strength that comes from Christ gives us the ability to change, to give up addictions or overcome temptations. We’d like that strength to always save us from our own stupidity and evil tendencies but sometimes, as humans, we just don’t yield to Christ and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Sometimes our human instinct (sinful nature) takes over and runs rough shot through our lives.
The result ain’t pretty.
We look a lot like the non-Christians around us. We mow over people and their feelings. We look for scapegoats and targets. We succumb to selfish motivations and worldly goals. We become prideful.
And then, the wake-up call comes.
If we’re true followers of Christ, we find our way back. We try to apologize or make peace as much as it’s up to us. But the memories linger. Even when forgiveness is offered, the pain caused by our actions doesn’t go away.
(Please! If you forgive someone, give up the right to hold a grudge!)
The closer we grow to Christ, the better we become at staying in step with him. We realize that his way is the best way to contentment and peaceful relationships. It is the only way to overcome sin and human weakness. The more we live in him, the less we look and act like the world. We’ll never be fully free from sin and mistakes and above hurting others, however, until we depart from this life. Until then, we’re dependent upon God’s grace and the grace and forgiveness of those we hurt.
My questions are these:
1. Why does the world seem to hold Christians to higher standards?
2. How do you explain Christians’ behavior when it doesn’t align with the Bible or people’s perceptions of a Christian?
Luke 17:3-4 (NLT)(Jesus speaking): If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.
Here’s my answers:
1. The world has a higher standard for us because the gospel puts them on the defensive. It says that they are sinners, and that if they reject God’s plan for salvation they are being selfish and arrogant. They hope that by pointing out our faults they can show that we are just like them, and therefore they do not need to be ashamed of rejecting God’s gift. Obviously, (if we’re just like them), it’s all a sham.
2. There can be several reasons a Christian’s behaviour does not align with the Bible and/or our expectations.
One: Our expectations or understanding of the Bible may be wrong.
Two: The Christian in question might not be saved, and therefore has no walk with God. There are many reasons why a nonbeliever might be tempted to pretend to be a Christian.
Three: Even saved, redeemed, children of God sin. Nevertheless, if they are saved, one would expect them to be more open to repentance because the Holy Spirit endwells them. It is tragic that many Christians never clean up major moral problems in their lives before they die. This is a tragedy because it can cause their friends and family members to doubt if they are even in heaven or not. We should all live lives which make it obvious to our friends that we are in heaven when we die. Salvation is not by works, but it is manifested through works.
Thanks for your thoughtful responses. I think you’re absolutely right that by pointing out our faults, non-Christians feel justified rejecting God. True Christians are repentant when they stumble. We’ll never be perfect but we keep our eyes focused on all the Christ wants to us to be and stay grounded in the power of the Holy Spirit to help us get past our mistakes. Sometimes our walk is two-steps forward, one step back but at least we keep taking the forward steps.
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