Christianity is not so much a religion. Not for me. It’s a way of life, and Christianity (living in a Christ like way) looks a lot of different ways for a lot of different people. Of course Christians should all be kind, forgiving, humble, gentle...but as far as how we worship, what we look like, our attitudes and even our beliefs, we vary. That is what's beautiful; we are all so very different, but all united through LOVE.
I have heard plenty of people give the popular argument that Christians are hypocrites, and that's true (sometimes). BUT the difference between Christians and non Christians is that we are simply striving to be like Christ. Let me make one thing clear; WE FALL SHORT. We will disappoint ourselves, our friends, and our God. Even so, our God loves us and accepts that we are flawed as mankind.
When people see me make mistakes, I hope they see not that Christians are hypocrites, but that we are simply like every one else, just trying to do right in an imperfect world. I try to encourage my coworkers, friends, and family with being positive, kind, humble, and gentle, but in reality I fall so very short on most days. I know that since I am claiming the title of being a Christian, I need to work very, very hard to properly represent my loving Father. I suck at this, representing God that is. But I'm always striving.
I watched Angels and Demons last night and there was a quote I really liked, "Religion is flawed because man is flawed". And this is true. Religion is flawed, God is not. As Christians it is not our place to judge the world or the people in it. It is not our job to fix the world either (although I wish I could). Our job is simply to live in a broken world and show others what God's grace looks like.
Immediately while reading the first sentence of this blog post, I though to myself Christianity is not religion, but a lifestyle. And then you said it, "It’s a way of life, and Christianity (living in a Christ like way)" I totally agree...
ReplyDeleteI thought of a different quote. One from a Christian song by the artist DC TALK titled, "What if I stumble". The song begins by a man talking and this is what he says, "The great 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". The lyrics go on to say what if I stumble what if I fall. What if I lose my step and make fools of us all.
We are all sinners and the moment we ask for the Lord's forgiveness the very next moment we have sinned again. We all need His continual grace and we should afford others the same grace he has afford us. That statement reminds me about the story of the unforgiving debtor.
This brings to mind the lyrics of another Christian song, "More of Him less of me". I believe that one of most important key ingredients to "More of Him less of me" inside the Christian lifestyle begins with proper diet and nutrition. And any healthy Christian diet will most certainly benefit from a daily workout in the spiritual gym. Opening up the Bible every morning and preparing for battle with The Armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18 "...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes".
I've never watched Angels and Demons, but I'm sure The real title should read Angels vs. Demons because there is a real battle going on in the world today between them.