As Christians, we are called to be holy (to be different from the world; set apart) while still living in an evil world. There are alot of "good" people out there who are not considered followers of Jesus Christ but still do many of the things that a Christian would be seen doing.
Now, I'm wondering. What exactly is it that can be done by Christians that would be different from "the other good guys" out there? If the "good guys" are doing what is right, and the Christians are too, then how will the world see Jesus living inside the Christians. There has to be some kind of major difference between these groups of people to set them apart; make them stand out as different.
"And they'll know we are Christians by our love" are some of the words to a song we use to sing everytime we got together back when I was in the youth group. Those words made an impression on me. I began to wonder: "What exactly is love? What kind of love do we need to possess in order for others to know we are Christians? Aren't other people capable of loving too? What makes Christian love so important and different?"
Well, let me tell you what the bible says about what love is.
*Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honeor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.* Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)
Check out this scripture spoken by Jesus Christ:
*You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.* Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)
So there is the answer. Who in their right mind would go through the trouble of loving their enemies unless they are living to make God happy? While we were still sinners, God sent His only son to die so we didn't have to. Jesus took the punishment that we were suppose to get because of all of the sins we have done. So, in other words, God loved us enough, even though we were His enemies, to let His only child come down to earth and die in order to provide a way to make us clean in His sight!! We don't have to be God's enemy any longer! We have a choice to make. I pray that you choose LIFE and become a child of God and a brother to Jesus Christ!
If Christians would practice loving their enemies, the world would definately notice something different about them! So, there is the challenge, Christians. Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Jennifer
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Something to ponder
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6 comments:
Jennifer,
Nice blog. I have wondered in the past about the same thing. You see people all the time out in public who do wonderful things, you would say they are morally sound people. But are they religious people? Are they Christians? I get patients who will ask me if I am a Christian or sometimes they will just say "You're a Christian". During my exam of these people I've done something to warrant these response, because there is no sign on my door. I would like to think it is my compassion for my patients, but I do understand that there are many compassionate doctors Christian or non-Christian.
These people that state this to me are kind of funny, because they are very hesitant about asking me this question. It is almost like they are afraid of my response. But when they find out that I am, there is almost an instantaneous calmness and trust that comes over them. It is really neat and exciting.
I wish that our society was as such that people would just be able to assume that you were a Christian and that there was no fear in asking. Personally I try to treat others as I would want to be treated. I think that a smile/joke and compassion are the top priorities in my profession. Patients seem to respond better and open up. Sometimes to much, it is amazing what some people will tell you in the course of an eye exam. I've told Jason before that I sometimes wonder if I'm a Optometrist or a Psychologist.
Thanks, Aaron, for your reply. I was beginning to wonder if anyone ever read anything I posted on here because it's rare if someone posts a comment. You and Jason appear to be my audience at the moment...hahaha. Al Graff told me he liked my post last night at our home groups so I can add him to the audience now too.
I was hoping to get some comments stirred up with this post because I was just assuming that I wasn't the only one thinking these things about Christians and "good" people.
What is the real difference between Christians and otherwise good people? Good question. For me, the confusion stems from an over-association of Christianity with moral/ethical behavior. It's as if Jesus came so we would all be nice. Jesus clearly doesn't intend for us to be mean or unethical. He draws us to a higher plane than that of moral/ethical behavior. Jesus reconciles us with the truth of our situation, calling us to joyous self-sacrifice.
I have naturally gone about the pursuit of the "American Dream". My life plans tend to be organized around financial milestones. For example, Kristine and I talk about paying off this school loan so that we might begin to build a house, buy a new car, etc. All the while, I may be the sweetest, nicest guy you ever met. But in the end, I am minimally available to the Lord. I often think of self-sacrifice in terms of leftover time and money, aside from the big plan of my life. When in fact, Jesus might be calling me to scrap the whole plan for one of His devising. If I can release my grip on my "goals" and live more at the command of the Lord, I think the distinction between the Christian and the otherwise good guy will be clearer.
Sometimes the "good" people are the ones that need the most prayers. They are the ones that believe because they act good and do good things, that no matter what their religious beliefs they will be rewarded. And yes, they may recieve the satisfaction of earthly rewards, but with out Jesus Christ those rewards will turn to dust in the kingdom of heaven. These are the same people that will believe that God is a nice God and will reward them for their actions and not notice their lack of faith. God I believe does call us to be "nice" and do good deeds, but with out Jesus's salvation it is nothing. These people remind me of the people that Don Coriell cause luke-warm, because sometimes their good deeds get in the way of theirs and our true calling to follow Jesus.
I always read your post! Add me to the list, I just haven't had time to comment today.
I think one of the reasons you see non-Christians doing good things is this: God made human nature that way. Basically people know to do good even when it goes against logic.
We Christians have to accept that there's never going to be enough good done to justify our sin and so the grace and mercy of God must be accepted. The knowledge that we cannot earn our forgiveness forces us to rely on God for our salvation. God loves us. We love God, then we do good things in His name and not for ourselves.
ok....Scotty G added!
Who's next?
HA ;)
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