I Don't Want to Say I'm a Christian Anymore

Christians get a bad rap these days. Often, described as judgmental, close-minded, arrogant hypocrites, it's not unusual to hear people cite that the behavior of Christians they've come in contact with is the very reason why they refuse to go to church. They want little to do with our religion and they maintain it's our own fault.

Those that aren't busy blaming us for their lack of salvation, assert that we are just flat out wrong in our beliefs. They seek to debate us, challenge us and then dismiss us as being brainwashed when they can't shatter our faith with their unholy banter.

Then we have immature Christians who fan the flames even more. They cover their cars with Christian themed decals, yet we frequently find them exchanging sign language with other drivers on the road. Or my personal favorite, the Christians who answer their home telephone with, "Praise the Lord" type greetings and then spend the next thirty minutes gossiping with their caller.

Not only do Christians receive a large amount of criticism, but sometimes they even earn it. It's not surprising either that so many church going, bible thumping Christians are busy espousing a faith of naming and claiming riches and self-indulgence, but have neglected to pattern themselves after the loving-kindness of Christ Jesus. They practice the principles of Christianity solely for private gain and personal redemption, yet spend a good majority of their time condemning others, avoiding the less-fortunate and neglecting to show love to anyone outside of their own immediate circle. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (LB) Paul warns, " You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian. For people will love only themselves and their money; they will be proud and boastful, sneering at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them, and thoroughly bad. They will be hardheaded and never give in to others; they will be constant liars and troublemakers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good. They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with pride, and prefer good times to worshiping God. They will go to church, yes, but they won't really believe anything they hear. Don't be taken in by people like that ."

For those of us who are sincere in our Christian efforts, however, we are so thankful for what Christ has done for us until we want everyone to experience the same joy. We not only spread the news that they, too, can be forgiven of their sins, but we are sometimes very quick to tell someone, often in a judgmental tone, that they, "really need Jesus".

Now, we're supposed to introduce others to the Word of God and remind each other of the Holy Scriptures, as this is what keeps us walking strong. Like Paul expressed in Ephesians 3:7, God has given us all the privilege, power and ability to tell everyone about His plans for every one of us. But Paul didn't stop at merely telling people about the plan, he lived each day according to this plan. Likewise, our lives are our best testimony to the grace of God in action and the greatest expression of our faith.

Why, then, is it necessary for us to say to everyone we meet that, "I'm a Christian"? Nothing wrong with that proclamation, but at what point can we quit throwing the title around and trust that our light is shining? As is evidenced by the fact that we're so frequently labeled as hypocrites, when will we understand that people believe what they see far more than what we say? Do we forgive others? Do we exhibit love towards others? Do we offer help to the sick and needy? Do we mind our tongues? Do we tithe and give offerings to our ministries? Are we humble towards others? Do we pray earnest prayers daily? Do those prayers include thoughts of mercy towards those who have used us or who have behaved as enemies towards us?

Have you ever met a person and just felt a sense of love and joy emanate from their presence? They treat everyone they come in contact with kindly and always have an encouraging word for others. I knew a man like this once. He never professed to be a Christian, yet he acted more like a Christian than anyone I've ever met. He was very well known and well liked, yet he always remained humble around others. Always smiling, he never complained and always took time out to lend a hand to anyone in need. I don't believe this man ever met a stranger. He died in his sleep one night after enjoying an evening out with his wife and friends. People gathered from all over the world to celebrate his life, a life that touched so many people until his family and friends were driven to hold more than one service in different states to memorialize him. He was someone that I looked up to and admired a great deal. Someone I will never forget. Although I know he believed in God, I' m not sure what his views were on Christ and salvation. What I did witness, however, was someone who lived each day in the character of Christ. If he could do so in such a loving manner, how powerful could each of shine for Christ if we could do the same?

So, I don't want to be one of those that are labeled a hypocrite, who repels people with harsh words and judgment. Though there's nothing wrong with doing so, I don't want to have to wear my Christianity on a t-shirt or a bumper sticker in order for people to know who I am. No, I don't want to say I' m a Christian anymore. I just want to be one.