I’ve been rereading this book recently, and there’s a line in it that says, “She also felt that if Christianity were a person, that is all Christians lumped into one human being, that human being probably wouldn’t like her.” [1]
That line breaks my heart. It breaks my heart that people might feel that way, and it breaks my heart that, sometimes, people have tragically compelling evidence for that claim. Over the course of my life, I’ve witnessed Christians act very unkindly towards others inside and outside of the church walls. Those who should be salt and light sometimes rub salt in wounds and blind the eyes. To my embarrassment, I’ve contributed my share of that pain over the years.
Some of you reading this might feel exactly like the woman in the quote. Your interaction with some Christians may have led you to believe that, if there’s a God, that God probably doesn’t like you either. If that’s been your experience, I am so sorry. We, as Christians, do not always represent the love of God well. Please don’t allow the actions of a few to turn you away from a God who thinks the world of you, the One who died in your place, the One who writes your name on His hand (Isaiah 49:16). I hope you’ll give Him a chance this week. Try out a church this Sunday.
Here at FCC, I often say that we will accept anyone where they are and also point people to Jesus who wants to transform us. He loves us where we are, but he also calls us to holiness and to be more like Jesus. I firmly believe that the way of Jesus is the best and most life-giving way to live, and I want you to experience it.
To my Christian brothers and sisters reading this, let’s remember that our words and actions shape how the world sees Jesus. Let us live lives of truth and grace. Let us strive to be like Jesus and ask forgiveness when we fall short. Let us encourage holiness, with love in our hearts and tears in our eyes over the pain that sin causes in every life it touches. You may be the only Bible someone ever reads, so represent Jesus well!
John Reside, Minister
First Christian Church
[1] Miller, Donald. Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality (p. 44). Harper Horizon. Kindle Edition.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Kewanee Voice.
***This column is sponsored by the Kewanee Ministerial Association
