Christians....

[KristiS11384]

***The following is NOT directed at ALL Christians but rather thoughts that had crossed through my mind while observing a few. They were in fact a response to a post at one point in time but I had accidentally deleted it all and re-typing it on my cell phone wasn't worth the effort. I apologize if it seems a little scattered. I am trying to remember exactly how I had worded it the first time. *****

How does telling someone of a different belief system that they are "wrong, going to hell, or evil" improve YOUR relationship with Christ?

How does it make you a better person/ a better YOU through him?

Forgive me for saying so but I thought the whole point of striving to be more Christ-like was to become more gentle, patient, humble, and compassionate. By telling someone any of the aforementioned things you are actually doing opposite of being Christ-like but rather acting like the Pharisees in Luke 18. The ones that spoke of how much better they were than "other" sinners.

While I am on THAT subject. I often see the response from many Christians who acknowledge they are "Sinners SAVED by the Grace of God".  However, they put the emphasis on being SAVED rather than on being a sinner. The problem with this is it leads to a Superiority Complex. The whole point of recognizing they are a sinner is to HUMBLE themselves. To admit that they are NO BETTER than anyone else. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, our virtues and vices. NO ONE is any better than any one else, regardless of religious affiliation.We are ALL HUMAN. The Bible mentions this too, though the way some Christians act you would think otherwise.

I actually commented on a Christian's Journal who failed to ask forgiveness from women she had offended and apologize to them and her response was that she did not apologize to "evil". The evil she was referring to was nothing more than people of a differing religion that she had called names such as "broom-riders" and "terrorists". She has missed 2 lessons completely. The one on forgiveness and the one on humbling oneself.

I don't think it matters what religion or lack of religion a person claims. As long as it helps you to become a better person then what does it matter? However, when you use the beliefs to belittle others than WHAT are you accomplishing other than pretending you are somehow better than anyone else in order to make yourself feel better? Really it's no better than a high school girl gossiping about what's wrong with EVERYBODY else's looks in order to raise her own self-esteem.

Think about it, ask questions of me if you wish. I will be formulating my next journal on asking WHO is God Rather than WHAT is God. Hopefully I'll be able to express my thoughts a little more clearly. I am off to find a notebook and pen to start my rough draft. Something I did not do with this post.

Add A Comment

[beanielips]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 1:59 AM

Great post... and thank you for taking the time to talk about it.  And btw, I can never understand anyone that name-calls.  all that it does is upset people.

[tracey4friend]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 2:00 AM

pr0udm0m_0f_3

That avatar???????

[wondermeg]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 4:12 AM

It makes me so sad that there are people who call themselves Christians who act this way. I have had such a hard time in my relationship with the Lord because I have been turned off by people who are very big on convicting others- and I have been a Christian my entire life. God will convict us when we're wrong if we're living in obedience, but doing it ourselves is obnoxious. Sorry, that was a little bit of a tangent, but I understand what you are talking about here and I agree.

[shestands4truth]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 5:13 AM

I Love the Lord, and actions speak louder than words.  2 scriptures came to mind while I read this journal.   John 14:6 and   1 John 4:7,8         I encourage you to look these up!     

[MAKEMYDAY101]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 7:39 AM

Kristi,

I think there is officially a first. I think there is  a time and a place for christians to disagree with eachother.. and TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES. However most of the proffessing christians take it as a personal attack against them and their faith, instead of an issue with some doctrinal theology.... therefore they get defensive and sarcastic and mean.

I AM AND HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF THIS.. EVEN TO YOU KRISTI. AND FOR THAT I AM SORRY.

Please forgive me??

I hope more christians learn some humility and realize they need to follow the master..

 

 

 

[Maddiebp]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 9:17 AM

I agree 100%.  May Jehovah bless you

[scrpnmomnlvnit]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 10:00 AM Kristi, you are right about most things..... as a Christian I am constantly reminding myself to "take the stick out of my own eye" whenever I feel someone is doing an action that is un-Christlike. That is a huge struggle with all humans, Christians and non Christians alike. However, please remember that not ALL things are said in judgement. Yes, the Pharisees declared they were top notch and better than others and walked around casting claims and judgement.... but some people really do not want to have any part of leading another Christian into sin. My example is that my best friend who is a Godly woman, is supporting her husband in selling risque comic books. I cannot tell you where in the bible it says it's ok for a husband to lead a wife into sin in such a way for her to think him having books of naked women in the house is ok.....but i can tell you about 100 different scriptures about a husband lusting and looking and distributing naked women is WRONG and SINFUL. If you are going to claim to be following God's ways, do not forget that your brothers and sisters in Christ will feel pulled to keep you on the beaten path, just as I hope my Godly sisters would do for me if I was wondering such as that. My point is this; when a Christian talks to someone about how an action is sinful... it may not always be out of judgement, sometimes it may be out of love and a concern for their relationship with Christ. Accountability is a huge thing when leading a Christian life. Galatians 6:1-2 gives a helpful principle, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Sorry, I didn't mean to rant .... lol. I DO know there are Christians out there who feel it is their duty to "CAST" and I know it is wrong. All I can do is apologize for them as they usually think they are doing God's work, just forgetting that most of the work should be left to the Man himself.

[mama4Christ361]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 12:11 PM

Dude!!!! I love this! I am obviously a Christian and I HATE seeing other christians acting like this! Good job on calling them on it! I am a SINNER SAVED by the grace of Christ--equal emphasis on the Sinner and the saving!

[sweetheart1985]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 12:16 PM

Kristi!!!

You're back!! I missed you!!

How are things!!

(((((HUGS)))))

Oh! Great post! I loooooved it! =D

[KristiS11384]

Jul. 3, 2009 at 12:40 PM

Wow ladies, that you for all the positive responses.

MakeMyday101, of course I accept your apology. ANd if I have ever offended you I do apologize as well. That was never my intent though things don't always come out in the manner we mean them, especially on the internet! A little patience and compassion go a long way, for everyone!

(Original Poster)