just human
I had an opportunity to learn a very important lesson yesterday; as always it was the hard way. Maybe it was because I tried to quit smoking over the weekend (again!) or maybe it was that everything that has been taking a toll on me finally got to me. Maybe it was because I'm just human and I was in a bad mood. I don't know, but by the end of the night I had to do something I don't like to do. I had to pray for some forgiveness.
I don't have to share this with you but I thought it was important for two reasons: The first one is that folks have this perception of Christians and when we fail, I think those around us who don't believe point to a Christian's shortcomings as an excuse to judge and not believe. It's kind of like "If you're a Christian, I don't want any part of that". I had a conversation with someone last night that turned into me telling the truth about a matter that affected me, and in doing so, I suppose I didn't come across as being a Christian. One thing's for certain, I didn't forgive. I fell short of acting like Jesus. I did apologize and hope it'll be accepted. The lesson I learned is this, though, and I think it's important to share because I'd heard it just yesterday morning in Sunday School:
People expect more of those that call themselves Christians. I'll even take that one step further and say that folks expect more from folks in any type of leadership position. But I'm gonna just deal with how folks outside the church view Christians.
Sometimes, we judge a large group by the actions of a small group. It's true with political parties and I'm just as guilty of it as the next guy. I stereotype Republicans by the right-wing fanatics that seem to have control of the party and my perception of the Democrats is biased by the left-wing fanatics that have control over that party. But with Christians, at least with me, anytime I display any kind of emotion other than love and understanding, I get my faith thrown in my face. I should be those things, true, but it doesn't mean I should be a doormat or allow people to walk all over me or take advantage of me because of my faith, either. Finding that balancing point is tough.
Anyway, back to the lesson: If I do things that hurt my ability to share the Good News with others, then I fall way short of what's expected of me by my Lord. I do understand that and maybe that's why I'm so careful these days about what I share on the blog. I need to remember that while I'm not to judge people, people are judging me every day by what I say and do. I think there's a tendency to think that Christians, as a stereotype, tend to be, for a lack of a better term, "holier than thou". That's why it's such a big deal when they sin, when they make mistakes, when they fall. It's hard to remember that we're human and we struggle. When you have friends that are Christians, please remember that they're human, too, and as such may make mistakes from time to time.
That's the second reason I wanted to share this story with you. The person on the other end of the telephone did something to me that put me in a bad position. It happens and maybe I should have found nicer words to say what I felt needed to be said, but it doesn't change what the person did. In that conversation, though, what happened became a secondary concern to me as I listened to what was said. I have to see this person in a couple of days. When I do, I'm going to give that person a New Testament and explain that the person's idea that "I'm a good person" isn't enough for Salvation. I'm going to forget what was done and focus on the larger task of what needs to be done. The person has the same problem I used to have. You can't put God into a box and you can't know God if you don't know His word.
As for me and my behavior, I'm very blessed to have a good Christian friend to talk to when I need to. My friend helped me realize that while I didn't say anything that wasn't true, there's always a better way to say what needs to be said and that while I'm so frustrated by the things, or lack thereof, happening in my life, I am where God wants me to be. After some earnest prayer, I heard something on the radio that inspired me to be a better person.
Today is another day, another chance to try and get things right. I'm going to try and do my part. I hope the take-away for you, dear reader, is that Christians are people too, and when we make mistakes, we're pretty rough on ourselves. But in our shortcomings it does bring glory to God because it points out one very simple and all too true statement. It's this:
I'm a sinner and need a Savior. Just like you.
I don't have to share this with you but I thought it was important for two reasons: The first one is that folks have this perception of Christians and when we fail, I think those around us who don't believe point to a Christian's shortcomings as an excuse to judge and not believe. It's kind of like "If you're a Christian, I don't want any part of that". I had a conversation with someone last night that turned into me telling the truth about a matter that affected me, and in doing so, I suppose I didn't come across as being a Christian. One thing's for certain, I didn't forgive. I fell short of acting like Jesus. I did apologize and hope it'll be accepted. The lesson I learned is this, though, and I think it's important to share because I'd heard it just yesterday morning in Sunday School:
People expect more of those that call themselves Christians. I'll even take that one step further and say that folks expect more from folks in any type of leadership position. But I'm gonna just deal with how folks outside the church view Christians.
Sometimes, we judge a large group by the actions of a small group. It's true with political parties and I'm just as guilty of it as the next guy. I stereotype Republicans by the right-wing fanatics that seem to have control of the party and my perception of the Democrats is biased by the left-wing fanatics that have control over that party. But with Christians, at least with me, anytime I display any kind of emotion other than love and understanding, I get my faith thrown in my face. I should be those things, true, but it doesn't mean I should be a doormat or allow people to walk all over me or take advantage of me because of my faith, either. Finding that balancing point is tough.
Anyway, back to the lesson: If I do things that hurt my ability to share the Good News with others, then I fall way short of what's expected of me by my Lord. I do understand that and maybe that's why I'm so careful these days about what I share on the blog. I need to remember that while I'm not to judge people, people are judging me every day by what I say and do. I think there's a tendency to think that Christians, as a stereotype, tend to be, for a lack of a better term, "holier than thou". That's why it's such a big deal when they sin, when they make mistakes, when they fall. It's hard to remember that we're human and we struggle. When you have friends that are Christians, please remember that they're human, too, and as such may make mistakes from time to time.
That's the second reason I wanted to share this story with you. The person on the other end of the telephone did something to me that put me in a bad position. It happens and maybe I should have found nicer words to say what I felt needed to be said, but it doesn't change what the person did. In that conversation, though, what happened became a secondary concern to me as I listened to what was said. I have to see this person in a couple of days. When I do, I'm going to give that person a New Testament and explain that the person's idea that "I'm a good person" isn't enough for Salvation. I'm going to forget what was done and focus on the larger task of what needs to be done. The person has the same problem I used to have. You can't put God into a box and you can't know God if you don't know His word.
As for me and my behavior, I'm very blessed to have a good Christian friend to talk to when I need to. My friend helped me realize that while I didn't say anything that wasn't true, there's always a better way to say what needs to be said and that while I'm so frustrated by the things, or lack thereof, happening in my life, I am where God wants me to be. After some earnest prayer, I heard something on the radio that inspired me to be a better person.
Today is another day, another chance to try and get things right. I'm going to try and do my part. I hope the take-away for you, dear reader, is that Christians are people too, and when we make mistakes, we're pretty rough on ourselves. But in our shortcomings it does bring glory to God because it points out one very simple and all too true statement. It's this:
I'm a sinner and need a Savior. Just like you.
We all fall off the wagon from time to time. Some more than others. The important thing to think about is what you do after you fall off? Do you stay off and discouraged or do you get back on and press toward the mark you have set to reach? Remember, we as Christians are sinners also...we are saved by grace not by works. Thank God Have a wonderful day!
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