September 7, 2020 – Click here to listen
Today’s post is another blast from the past. I sent this out twenty years ago but it still rings true today.
Many folks have the wrong idea about Christians. They expect that Christians should always act like Jesus and they become disillusioned with all of Christianity when they observe Christians engaging in sinful behavior. It is a heavy burden that we bear, and we should do our utmost to avoid such behavior, but alas we are after all fallen creatures.
Christians are human beings and like the rest of the world are full of faults and they sometimes don’t always act like Christians. Some folks are turned off by what they perceive as hypocritical behavior of “so-called Christians.” While indeed I’m sure that there are legitimate “dyed -in-the-wool” hypocrites in the Christian ranks, I believe that most are just weak and will make mistakes like every other human being on this planet now and then.
Personally I cannot think of a better place for a hypocrite to be than in Church. (When someone is sick, they need to visit the Doctor’s office). With that said, as difficult as it sometimes is, we need to double down on avoiding behavior that is not representative of our Lord and ask God to help us in that arena.
True Christians, above all others, realize that they are sinners and need forgiveness from their Savior Jesus Christ. We are not perfect but saved by the grace of Jesus who is perfect in every way. Realizing it is through Him and not us that we have achieved eternal life is a giant first step in becoming humble and realizing that any goodness in us comes from Him. Someone sent me this poem that speaks to this issue better than I.
When I Say “I Am A Christian”
When I say . . . “I am a Christian,”
I’m not shouting “I am saved.”
I’m whispering “I get lost!”
“That is why I chose this way.”
When I say . . . “I am a Christian,”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.
When I say . . . “I am a Christian,”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say “I am a Christian,”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say “I am a Christian,”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible,
but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say . . . “I am a Christian,”
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I’m loved.
James 1:26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.