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Christians....
- Jul 2, 2009 at 12:11 AM
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- Comments (55) Total Views (1182) Everyone can see this journal post.
***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.
Comments:
Jul. 3, 2009 at 2:00 AM
That avatar???????
Which avatar are you refering to? The one of Nic Cage, or the one of me?
Sorry, you lost me on that one, lol.
Absolutely wonderful journal! I totally agree, and as a Christian myself I also cannot understand how Christians think this is an acceptable way to act, a good way to act.
IMO, the patience, humility, love, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, etc should come first. So I cannot understand how they can put so little emphasis and importance on that, instead choosing to focus on things that are contradictory to the example we see in Christ by being judgmental, rude, hateful, self-righteous, etc. It doesn't make sense to me, and I'm glad you made this journal, because its something that we Christians need to think about.
Props to you, and I hope that more Christians learn from this than object to it.
=D
wow Kristi.. I read the first couple comments in response. I agree with Mik.. I thought the same thing when I read your journal. You get it! Kudos to you! Thanks for sharing!
Like Brie I have also been hurt by Christians as well and I do not get it why christians feel it the need to call people names. It just blows my mind and makes me weep because when they do that they are not portraying the Lord I love and adore. They are in a sense crucifying Him again and again.
Bless you Kristi :-)
I see a common thread on here... people looking to Christians as an example but Jesus never said to look at others but to look to Him as an example of how we are to be. I think He knew there would be believers who would not represent Him the way they should. I encourage you all to not look at Christians as a guide but to the word of God and Jesus Himself. Just sayin cus so many of you post that the reason you do not believe is because of how Christians act but that truly isnt the way to believe. He is the best example of who He is . When you get saved you are not doing it because of christians around you. You are doing it because you saw or felt something in Christ that tugs at your own heart. Man doesnt do that only God does and the eyes should be on Him not people. I hope I am making sense. Trying to articulate what I am feeling inside for those who looked to man as an example of whether or not to believe!
Granted YES we are supposed to be examples but that should not be the deciding factor on whether or not to believe! :-) Doees that make sense?
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As a Christian, it is our responsiblity to accept the bible's teachings as truth and to strive to behave like Jesus would towards others. It's a journey that takes a lifetime and despite our best efforts, we, as sinners and as human beings, fail often. New Christians are often so full of God's love that they want everyone to feel the undescribable feelings of love and joy that fills them as it washes away the old life and sins and makes them new people in Christ. It can seem overbearing and off-putting to others but it is unintentional. Once the elation of this new life settles in a bit, real life can be very confusing. Being a christian means living your life for Christ while dealing with being a fallible human and recognizing that there are other fallible humans as well as actual evil in this world. Becoming a Christian does not mean becoming passive. We have to find that balance where we allow God to do his work through us and and around us without trying to take control and overriding Him. Humans are used to thinking that they have to do everything themselves and be in control. It is too easy to become judgemental, over opinionated and controlling. As Christians, we strive to let go of much of that and let God handle it. Our sins are used against God by non christians. It gives them further reason to not accept him. I know that God is the best thing for me but sometimes learning to be more like him can be a very emotional struggle. I will continue to pray for wisdom, for God to watch over all of us and for people to find the truth of Jesus in their lives. I am at a place now where I also try to practice acceptance of others because God is their judge not me. It's not always easy but I try. I'm sorry that some people get lost in themselves while still claiming to be christians. They have missed the whole point of being a child of God.