One of my education classes has been discussing religion in the classrooms for what feels like an eternity. This is a sensitive topic for me. Surprisingly, I say very little, and the reasons for that are twofold. First, I am actually interested in what my professor has to say. Second, I'm afraid if I do start talking, that I'll get really upset and just be "another crazy Christian" who can't handle reality.
I resent that assumption, but honestly, I don't blame those that try to label me. I blame people who created the necessity for the label to begin with. So before anyone starts freaking out, let me explain.
One of the articles I read was from a "fundamentalist Christian" who kept making a point to stress the differences between "real Christians" and everyone else. Apparently, "real Christians" don't use their noggins, hate everything, and live terribly boring lives. Also, the phrase "fundamental Christian" is apparently a derogatory term. Anyway.
As I was processing today's lesson on the dreadfully humid walk back from class, I may have stumbled upon where the problem lies.
Christ calls us to be like Him. Unfortunately, some wires get crossed in our brains and we think Jesus actually means "Please be like the Pharisees that I rebuked all too often for clinging to laws that they made up so they could judge people."
Pharisees, if you are curious, were religious leaders in Jewish synagogues. They created lots and lots of laws telling Jews exactly how to be a "good Jew" (or should I say "real Jew"?). Now according to Scripture, when Jesus came to Earth, He came to encourage us to have a relationship with Him, rather than worrying ourselves over whether or not a few educated men think we're worthy of going to heaven. If you can imagine, these educated men from way back when thoroughly enjoyed their positions and were none too thrilled that someone came and dared question their authority.
As a Christian, I am as "real" as I can possibly be. By that, I mean I'm a wreck and some days, the only thing that gets me out of bed is my faith that nothing is too big for my God. It's offensive and audacious for anyone, regardless of his religious affiliation, to try to define what a "real Christian" is. In my opinion, what makes a Christian "real" or not, is not for anyone to decide. It is between that person and Jesus.
Christianity is all about relationship with Jesus. I feel like this very important fact becomes distorted in the name of evangelism. Although there are expectations of followers of Christ, we have been given free will to decide whether or not to accept the gift of salvation. It is not up to the decision of ANY human. Because of my freedom in Christ, I don't have to decide whether or not I'm a "good Christian" based on legalistic customs of someone claiming to be a Christian, especially if they're not addressing me in love.
I guess the challenge I wish to issue to Christian readers is to examine yourself. Are you being Christ-like, acting in love? Or are you being a Pharisee, condemning people and questioning their faith because they follow a custom with which you disagree?
A challenge I wish to extend to any non-Christians is to please realize that Christians are like everyone else in so many ways. Being a Christian doesn't put us on a pedestal. All too often our lives are disaster areas and we're doing our best to hold it together. We're completely and utterly imperfect, but attempting perfection is not what being a Christian is about. Most importantly, be aware that there are lots of people professing to be Christians act like Pharisees, not like Jesus, despite their intentions. Please be patient with us.
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