I have been visiting blogs this past month and I have read some surprising things about Christians. Though I am not sure why I am surprised. With today’s fast paced life, microwave lifestyle, throw-away living. Nobody really takes to the time to get to know one another anymore. We have neighbors but do we stop and have a conversation. A real conversation, not “how’s the weather”, “how are the kids”, “nice car you have”, “how’s the wife”. No real deep conversation. “What do you think of the economy?” “Who are you voting for?” We seem to be too busy to discuss issues any more. We let the radio talk shows and media speak what they feel, but do we really share what we feel. I guess that’s why we blog
Then there is the question of eternity. I am excited about my prospect for eternity. But do I know what my neighbor thinks? Where will he spend eternity. Now I am a strange bird [pun intended]. I do talk to my neighbors. I know the neighbor on my left’s wife died 6 months ago. I have spoken with him on several occasions prior and after. They are Christians and though he has grieved her passing, he lives on, putting together the story of their live in pictures for their children. I like him and enjoy the times we get to talk. The neighbor on my right and his wife travel on business all the time; I rarely see them, but when we do talk, they are great people too. The neighbor across the street, my mom loves talking to him; and she lives in another town. He’s a bit weird, but I enjoy talking about life with him too. I know my neighbors I share the alley with too.
But that brings me back to the 21st Century Christian [21CC]. 2100 years after the birth of Christ. Would he even recognize a 21CC. I don’t mean to sound judgmental but when one claims to be a Christian, there are certain expectations placed upon that title. If you do not believe me, spend some time on the wordpress.com sites and link to others that speak about their experiences with “Christians”.
Yeah I put quotes around Christian that time, because there are those who are Christians and others who just love to be called that.My heart is saddened when I read that someone was a Christian, then felt judged or molested or shunned by the “Christians” they were surrounded by.
That is not Christ like. Jesus said, ”A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples [Christians], if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34,35).This is how those round the 21CC will know that they are Christians, by the way that they show their love to other Christians. That is the test.
Now I know some will come at me with arguments, “Christians are not supposed to judge”. And I agree at this point, as a Christian I am not supposed to judge non-Christians period. But I am supposed to be a “fruit inspector” when it comes to other Christians. I will cover that in my next blog. I am long winded here already.
My heart is sad with those who felt driven away by those who claimed to follow Christ, as I am sure God’s heart is too. 21CC needs to be on alert as there are wolves among us, there are tares that have been sown amongst the Church (Matthew 13:25-ff).Those who have lost confidence in the Church, I feel your sadness, your loss, your disgust. But not all Christians are the same. There are those who love unconditionally.
We weep for those of you who have felt driven from the church building, but Jesus has not forsaken you. He loves unconditionally, hey, He died for you before you were even a gleam in your fathers eye.
More later…
God, please be with those who feel betrayed and who have lost faith because of those who do not truly follow you, but make the claim. In Jesus name – Amen
