Like many Christians around the world, my husband and I are blessed to belong to what’s known as a small group. Our particular huddle meets every other week to study the Bible, encourage and support one another, pray for each other.
As often happens when I’m with this group, one of our members said something that struck me as profound. She was hesitant at first, even saying it might not be the best analogy, but as soon as I heard it I thought it was exactly on target.
We were discussing the difficulties about talking to others about our faith. A few of our members have regular opportunities to do so, and are always hoping to be a good representation of our faith. Sadly, we’re aware of the quote about more people being attracted to Christianity if it wasn’t for those darn Christians.
My friend’s comment is a direct answer to such a notion. Here’s what she said:
Why do we blame God for how badly Christians represent Him? Think of it this way: If we elect a senator or a congressman who ends up misusing whatever power he was elected to exercise—just google how many elected officials are currently under investigation for a variety of legal offenses—we don’t blame the constitution or what it asks us to believe in, we blame the person who was unable to live up to its standards.
Now it’s true that we as Christians are temples of the Holy Spirit, empowered by God. But we’re also works in progress as He seeks to mold us into someone more like the perfect example Christ represented. Perhaps if we had the luxury to examine the lives of most Christians and their deeds, we might see an upward trajectory toward that goal. But it would hardly be instantaneous, and it wouldn’t be without failures along the way.
And yet the world expects Christians to be like Christ, despite the fact we’re still surrounded by a world that often seeks to tempt, tamper and even thwart what we know as Christians we should do.
I’m not excusing those of us who fail to consistently represent Christianity and a God who loves each and every one of us, even those who deny His existence. But I am now more ready to defend God when I fail. We should no more blame God for the failure of Christians than we should the constitution for those many corrupt politicians.
Somehow, this thought inspires me to do a better job of representing God, simply because it reminds me of the forgiving nature of our loving God. Hopefully it’s been a blessing to you on this start of another new week!
Amen and Amen to all that you shared ! How very true.
Take care, and, God Bless,
In Him, Brenda Hurley
Thanks for stopping in, Brenda! I’m so glad my friend’s wisdom was a blessing to you, as it was to me. 🙂