Embracing What We Stand For

Why are Christians are so eager to vocalize what we’re against, instead of embracing what we stand for? We seem to be more than ready to protest something that is offensive to us, but not as ready to share what gives us peace. Perhaps those of us who spend so much time protesting, have forgotten what it is that should make Christians different; a peace and joy that is beyond explanation.

Christ developed relationships before introducing the Gospel to people; He didn’t just blast people with the enlightenment that they were living in sin. He wanted to know about them, about their lives, before He stepped in to bring them the truth.

Today’s Christians seem to get a certain amount of joy from judging and condemning. Recently I was watching a documentary about a particular group of evangelical Christians who were quietly demonstrating against same sex marriage in front of a popular California City Hall. When approached by a homosexual who clearly did not understand, one of the Christian protesters said politely, “We love you, but we hate what you’re doing.” I don’t think that was a loving comment at all. What the gentleman heard was, “You’re a sinner and we won’t tolerate you!” Like everyone else, he knew to ignore everything that was said before the word but.

I think Christians forget several important factors in voicing their distaste of sin. 1) Non-believers are not held to the same standards as believers. They still don’t know Jesus as their Savior so cannot possibly follow His laws through love and obedience. 2) In our effort to introduce people to the Gospel, we forget to reach out in love and grace. Just saying you love someone doesn’t necessarily make them feel loved. 3) We need to develop relationships with people. That was a key ingredient to Jesus’ ministry. How can we possibly introduce someone to Christ before we even know what their needs are, where they’ve been, or what they’re going through? 4) Our purpose is not to judge. That is God’s job alone. We are only here as Christ’s vessels, to love others and teach them about Christ’s sacrifice for them. We’re asked to judge only when we identify another believer is falling short. And then there are specific guidelines to follow to reconcile the believer to Christ.

Let’s start looking at ourselves before we open our mouths about others.  We are all sinners in God’s eyes, and one sin doesn’t outweigh another as far as He’s concerned. Whether it's a teaspoon of dirt or a cupful, it still makes a glass of water undrinkable.

I’m looking forward to a day when we can approach each other with unconditional love, the kind Jesus has for us, and show non-believers how wonderful it is to be a child of God. Aren’t we more apt to bring people to the Lord if they’re able to see in us a more desirable and fulfilled life than what they see in non-believers?