Lately I have been impressed with the need to note that there is a definite and distinct difference between Christ and Christians (beyond the 4 additional letters). I profess to be a Christian. I attempt to make this my worldview. I desire to follow Christ, to know Him as intimately as possible, to learn from His word the Bible, to implement His teachings, BUT I am not Christ; nor are any of the other Christians I know Christ. It gets even more frustrating when the word ‘church’ is thrown in. Once again I am a member of a church and consider it to be a benefit to my life overall, but I recognize that the current church again is not Christ. Christ is God. Christ is perfection. Christians and the church are not perfect, and should not claim to be perfect, our claim can only be, to be forgiven and loved.
As I am getting a little older I recognize more and more my need for humility (even as I figure out that I am getting smarter- ha). While I may sing the song, “Jesus is the Answer”, I can’t claim to have all the answers myself. Even though I do know Jesus as my savior, and believe that His word undoubtedly intersects and advises my own life questions and beliefs, it is up to each individual to find that. I am not saying it is individually everyone’s choice as to whether or not this is true. I believe it is true regardless of what you choose, BUT it is individually everyone’s choice whether or not they pursue this relationship. It is up to the individual to really give it an honest inquiry, to set aside stereotypes or any bias toward ‘religion’ and look at what Jesus did, said, and the historical context and proofs of His deity.
It saddens me to observe the general hostility toward Christians from some segments of our culture. But, I wonder if we haven’t in some ways brought it on ourselves. As a person I dislike conflict. I avoid arguments when possible. I choose harmony over discord. So I really dislike politics. All the arguing between people who are so positive they have the correct answer. The more emphatic they are, the more they annoy me.
There are certain viewpoints that I have inherited from my southern, conservative upbringing, but just as my viewpoints are biased on trying to look at what is best overall for society, so are the northern, liberal’s concepts based on that same idea. Our methods of how to get there are obviously different, but both of us want what is overall best for the country, for families, and for individuals. Based on that understanding, you would think the discussions could be a little more civil.
Likewise I think I know a thing or two about Jesus. I know the more I know about Him, the more astonished I am. The implications of believing in him are more radical than attending church on Sundays. He calls us to love God and love others above all else. If we as Christians were truly doing that, I wonder if the perception of us would change? I wonder if our dialogues about our societal problems would change? There have been horrible instances in which the church has historically made the wrong call (defending slavery for one), there are instances in which we have not lived up to the name ‘Christian’ both individually and collectively (and there will continue to be those instances). Maybe we start with an apology and a renewed commitment to love. And maybe we point out to everyone that while we are not perfect, Christ is.
Lord, I lift up our multicultural world that we live in. Help me to be more understanding, and more loving toward all those you bring into my path. Forgive my decisions and judgments that are made without considering your love first. Increase my desire to love while you increase my capacity for grace and peace. Help me be less concerned with what I know, and more concerned with how I love.
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