UnChristian

All Christians are called to be the “Salt and Light” of the world and this responsibility is not limited to those that look and act like us. Today, many Christians are missing the message of their true mission and purpose. They are becoming the very thing that Jesus encountered and warned the Jewish leaders about. David Kinnaman’s quote was spot-on on when describing the how world views Christians. He said, “We have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for” (Kinnaman, 2007). Many people who call themselves Christians have become hypocritical, insensitive, and judgmental. They have taken upon themselves to voice their own interpretations of bible and have missed the true message of the bible and teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. As a matter of fact, many things they oppose are not even in the bible. They have been blind to notice their negative actions have actually made them to be viewed as “UnChristian” (Kinnaman, 2007). For a Christian to treat someone unkind, not help someone, or even keep them from going to Church because they are gay, homeless, practice another religion or some other so called “sinner” category these UnChristians have made it their mission to oppress, is doing the very opposite of what Jesus taught. They are actually the people that are in danger of not being saved. “The opposite of love is not hatred; it is indifference” (Wiesel, 1986). Jesus showed us to love everyone. He took in everyone and taught through the laws of grace and mercy. “6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6, NIV) As this bible verse states, many of these UnChristians “righteous acts” are like filthy rags because religious commitment without a heart of empathy or compassion is just an empty tradition.

The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches about this very thing. If you do not know the parable, please read it Luke 10:25-37. What you do reflects on what you believe. It doesn’t matter if you call yourself a Christian, your actions are what identifies Christians from UnChristians. Even if you are not a Christian, this identities a good person from an unkind person. So, if you are a Christian ask yourself these questions: 1. Am I studying the bible to memorize it or doing what it actually says? 2. There are people in our culture that feel dead, beat up, oppressed, or have been robbed of things, what do you do when you cross paths with these people? Are you the priest and Levite or the Good Samaritan? 3. Jesus said “Go and do likewise”, not go and pray or go and study the bible when referring to the actions of the Good Samaritan. What are things that you have done? What actions have you taken that shows you have learned what Jesus taught about being a good neighbor and showing love for all? And what message are you sharing that represent who we are for?

Overall, as a Christian I always ask myself, what would Jesus do? I also know that Jesus was not about hate and oppression. My prayer is, Please God, I pray for people who believe in you to become the salt and the light of the world. I pray they do not get caught up in darkness and guided by things or thoughts that are not of you. I pray that these things to not get in the way and of bringing people to you rather than push them away. I pray for the people that view Christians in a negative way, because of false identities, pick up the bible and learn about your promises, your teachings and what we represent through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit first hand. Amen.

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16, NIV)

References

Kinnaman, D (2007). UnChritian:What a new generation really thinks about chrisitianity and why it matters. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Publishing Group