As believers in Christ we are the first impression
as to whom he is that a non-believer gets. As Christians we are given a
chance to show Christ to those around us in our words and in our actions.
It is sad the image that believers often portray to the world. I
have heard, "Those Christians are......rude, hypocritical,
judgmental" and so on.
(WARNING: If you read on you will see that this
mid-life domestic goddess is a bit fired up and to really share this story I
will need to use some harsh wording as I quote someone)
My heart is sickened still today, as the words I
heard yesterday ring in my ears. I was waiting for my daughter
while she was seeing the doctor. A mom and her daughter who looked to be
about my age were sitting across from me. I was trying as hard as I could
to not listen to their conversation but short of putting in earplugs I could
not avoid it. They were arguing and the mother spoke something that sickened my heart. She told her daughter that she
needed to tell the person they were talking about, "I will pray for you,
if you will pray for me". What came out of the mother's mouth next
shocked and saddened me. She said, "If she won't pray for you than
tell her to F&@% it!” Really? It is no wonder believers have such a
bad image.
Can you imagine if Christ said, "I will die
for your sins so you can be free from all condemnation and have eternal life in
heaven? However if you don't understand it and take it to heart the first
time you hear of this than F&@% it!" Or, what if Christ said, "I'll die for you but you must first die for me?" My husband raised a great point and a very sad one at that. He said, "where did Christianity go wrong for her to feel that praying is a two way obligation?" I was so stunned at what I heard and, I had no
idea what to say. They were already arguing so I just sat there. It was so uncomfortable.
I thankfully was the only one with in earshot of
that statement. As believers we really need to think before we
speak. We have no idea who may be listening and it may be our one time to
show the love of Christ. I know that what I saw yesterday is not a Christ
honoring way and certainly not a good picture of how the body is to function. For the mother's sake I am glad that Christ is not a "first
chance only" savior. As I type this I am convicted to pray for her
and thank God for his grace. My prayer for her is much better than any judgement I could give my sister in Christ. I am only posting this to show how careful we must be. All who believe are reflections of Christ.
As you go about your day-to-day routine.
Remember you are a reflection of Christ. What is that reflection
showing? I hope it is showing; Love, forgiveness, grace, gentleness and
so on.
Have a blessed day :)
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
No comments:
Post a Comment