SCOURGE OF THE EARTH or compassionate lovers of human kind? Depending on where you live and what your experience is, Christians may be identified as either one, and, much to the chagrin of those who use the label to describe themselves, legitimately so. It all boils down to what you mean by the label ‘Christian.’
Regardless of what we think any particular word should mean, it actually means what society interprets it to mean. Linguistics 101. Like the word gay. I’ve been quoted as saying that I could have once properly been branded the gay author because, although I have always been heterosexual, I once was… well, gay. Twenty years ago the word meant happy. Today it refers to sexual orientation. So although I was once gay, I am no longer gay, not because I’ve changed, but because the understanding of the word in society has changed and it no longer describes what I am.
So it is with the word ‘Christian.’
Jesus summed up his message as follows: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Armed with this simple mandate of love, millions of his followers have forsaken the relative safety and affluence of a comfortable life to extend love and hope to the downtrodden over the centuries. Much could be said to explain how and why Christianity has embodied compassion in a world torn by war, terror, and heartache. It’s all about love, my friend. They may hate you for your love because to the guilty love sometimes feels like salt in a wound, but they will still know that you are Christian by your love.
Unfortunately, in the eyes of many, Christianity is now far better known for much more and much less than love. Not all of the associations are bad, mind you, but they are a far cry from the message of love that ultimately cost Jesus his life. Ask any pedestrian and, depending on where they live, they will tell you who Christians are.
Ask the question in the Middle East and you might be told that Christians are killers whose bombs have killed thousands of innocent bystanders in Iraq; murderers who have brutally killed thousands of Muslims in Lebanon. Christian militia entered the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut in September 1982 where they raped, pillaged and murdered with impunity for three days during what became known as the Shatila massacre. The first suicide bomber in Lebanon was a Christian, blowing up Muslims. The scourge of the Crusaders is still alive in the Middle East. This is what ‘Christian’ means to many in that part of the world.
My father just returned from a town in India where Hindus have killed many Christians over the last 12 months. When he asked the pastors if it was because Christians followed Jesus, they surprised him by say no, it was because Christians means ‘Western values’ to the Hindus. “So then,” my father said, “if you are dying for a term that doesn’t describe you, are you not dying in vain? If Christian means western to them, not follower of Christ, then to call yourself Christian to them is deceitful, is it not? To the Romans, become Roman, the apostle Paul says. Speak their language.”
If you ask a pedestrian in Seattle who Christians are, they will likely tell you that Christians are judgmental, insensitive, hypocrites who are out of touch with reality. Or worse, angry right-wing bigots willing to resort to hate speech and violence to protect their narrow way of life. That they are a political group committed to a particular platform, willing to take up the sword or home-made bombs to enforce that platform.
The last thing that will come to their mind is the concept of sacrificial love or Jesus who showed us that love. Just like the word ‘Gay’ the meaning has changed, like it or not.
And it’s not just Lebanon or Seattle. According to a Barna Group poll, only 9% of those outside the church think Christians in America are nice, loving people. What every happened to you shall know them by their love? Throughout most of the world Christianity is simply no longer associated with the core beliefs of sacrificial love that birthed our faith. It has become like a large vessel of dirty bathwater, full of nasty associations and improper human behavior. Newsweek’s April 7th cover story cited the dramatic decline of Christianity in the United States. We live in a post Christian world, many would say. They might be right. And who’s to blame them? No one wants to swim around in dirty bathwater.
But wait a minute. There is more than dirty bathwater in this vessel. There is something precious and live-giving! And there is a rising generation of thinkers who are as eager to protect and cherish that life as they are to throw out the dirty bathwater.
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, we say.
It’s interesting that Jesus’ first recorded miracle was turning dirty bathwater (in this case water used to wash dusty feet) into precious wine, a beautiful portrayal of purification. My generation wants that wine back and many are willing—check that, eager—to rid the vessel of the bathwater and replace it with that wine, that truth, that core message of love that Jesus gave his life for.
If Christian means judgmental or bigot to most or even many, than to them we are not Christian. We are neither bigots nor hate-mongers nor killers nor whatever else you might think a Christian might be, we are passionate believers in a person who came with a message of love, and his name was Jesus. Our identity is not stamped with any specific political party or ideology however good or bad it is, but to the man who avoided being identified by any political ideology whenever possible and offered only the sage advice to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.
We are not defined by any specific social agenda, however necessary or good, but by the love that embraces the downcast in need of a helping hand. We do not follow any moral creed invented by man however honorable, nor spit in the faces of those who struggle to put others before themselves however deserving, but we carry the burden of forgiveness and step aside so that he without sin may throw the first stone, if indeed such a man lives.
Our stories are not about pot-lucks and Sunday school playground squabbles, but about that monster called hate and his futile attempts to dash the hopes of the Great Lover. Perhaps you could call us post-Christian Believers, defined solely by the man we follow, not the institution that bears his name.
We believe that our first calling is to love God with all of our hearts and that our second calling is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and for us that is a difficult enough task to waste the rest of our lives on.
We are not partial Christians, not red-letter Christians, not a new kind of Christian, not non-Christian; we are far more and far less than Christian, children of an unfortunate but very real phenomenon that has dirtied our bathwater so now we want out, but out with the baby, please. The baby the whole baby, nothing but the baby, so help us God.
We are many, very many, millions of many. This is the way we roll and we are on the rise.
Does this describe you? Speak here, let your voice be heard. Then visit the poll on the home page.
@j wilson - amen!
I agree completely.
I am completely sick and tired of saying, “I’m a Christian,” and having people stop talking and look at me nervously, afraid that I’m going to look down upon them and judge them because of who they perceive Christians to be.
I’m tired of the television show “American Idol”’s finale being called a competition between Christians and liberals, instead of a competition between singers.
I’m tired of being labeled with the fanatics who walk the streets with signs that say, “God Hates Gays,” or “God Laughs When Our Soldiers Die.”
We need to change the perspective the world has of the word “Christian,” or I think our witness is going to completely fade away. People are going to look at Christians as something completely different than we are, and who wants to be like that? We need to shine BRIGHTER than the others. Matthew 5:14
I’m recommending this blog to my pastor and to my Bible teacher at school and to my Bible Study… and basically to everyone. Good word, good word.
in Him,
Emily
Right on Ted! I agree completely! I just believe there is one thing that could be added to that. The Lord is a mighty warrior, and we should also be ready to protect the rights of the innocent! But still loving as Jesus loved. Jesus wasn’t best friends with the Pharisees, but He still loved them as a father with a rebellious son! That is a great word though. God bless!
Keep Up the good work,
Jon.
Good article! I agree with loving our neighbors and I know many believers who take the hard road and go the distance to love their neighbor. But we’re also trying desperately to keep our society from falling into total and complete destruction-ie. gay marriage, abortion, legalization of marijuana for example. I cannot stand by and let Satan bring his destruction to my children and their children and do NOTHING!!!!! I don’t care what people call me, we have to stand in the gap and take a stand. To do nothing means Satan has won and thousands die physically and spiritually. We don’t violate the law in any fashion but we take a loving, uncompromising stand against evil in society.
I must remind you that even in ancient Rome Christians were known as anarchists, enemies of the state, punished by death in the great Arena and because of Nero’s rage. Was their description of Christianity wrong, YES! Those sent to prison for their faith in places like China are loving dedicated believers but the “World” hates them. The world will always hate us. Do love your neighbor but don’t use that as an excuse to be apathetic to take a stand against evil in society.
I, too, am tired of being lumped in with every other looney who calls themselves “Christian”. I understand completely the linguistics aspect of it, and could not agree more. I am, however, bothered by the fact that society can “hijack” a term in certain situations and that we must continually “reinvent” ourselves. I’m tired of the number of books that tell us as believers to change who we are for someone else’s sake. But, I too, understand Paul’s call to be all things to all people, and if it is what I must do, I will do it for the sake of Christ and for His glory! Praise the Lord!
as a lover of Jesus currently in Lebanon studying, i understand exactly and agree completely. when the word does not work… find a new one… and all it takes is Love and a little boldness to seperate yourself from the norm. i have seen it work… they do know us by our love, so don’t lose hope.
Ted,
Have been away for a few days with my mother who was in the hospitol. Would appreciate a prayer for her heart & kidneys…but on the original topic: I understand and agree with your last point about defining self descriptive words thus defining who we are, but at what point do we give in to someone who (as someone else said) hijacked our word. I guess I may be coming from a different direction than some. I am primarily called to minister in a local church. Though I have lead several to christ in the last year, I am gifted in exaltation and teaching which lends itself more to discipleship than evangelism. So the vast majority of those who I am effecting with God’s word identify themselves as christian, so that is the term I use to teach. Also most of those who I do lead to christ are teens and children who are already associated in some way with my church. However, I do admit that when ministering to those outside the churched folks, i do focus more on what I belive than using a name like baptist or christian. I have even been known for taking them to another church when my denomination or specific church has “done them wrong”. I have done this for years, but am not ready to give up the name completely where it is still of use to define the group of people i am associating myself with.
PS: Wow, Ted Dekker used my name on his blog! Cool:-)
I recently heard a pastor say that the word “Christian” actually means “Little Christ” and was first used as an insult. I guess it is not too far from an insult these days, either. In people’s minds, anyway.
If only we could try to live up to that name!
It is sad to see so many Christians jumping ship because of others actions and because other people’s misrepresentations of what it means to be a Christian or “Little Christ”… its a shame. I find it amazing also, how so many people are blinded to the deception of the enemy. Ted,with all due respect I used to read your novels because it seemed like you stood for Christ,but honestly after carefully reading your new material,it seems like you are taking up some “conservative”,”politically correct” version of the gospel and it seems that the priority to save souls have been lost. I say this out of love.. I hope others have read this.. I stood my ground as I know you will stand yours. You make this it is just a “name change” but look into the spirit,and look deeper… the world may change and words may change over time,BUT THE WORD OF GOD AND THE STANDARD OF CHRIST REMAINS THE SAME!!
I agree completely! I’m also a cop who is consumed w/ how to effectively show the love of Christ but still enforce the laws. Or maybe it’s more of dealing with the errant perception of others as I do enforce the laws while loving as Christ does. Any ideas?
Ted Dekker, let me say first that I am completely taken in by your books Black, Red and White and just now i gained an understanding of why you named them that. I just finished reading White and i had to look you up on the internet to see if actually you were a follower of Jesus. What you say in your blog is true.. and perhaps I have been guilty of it… being judgmental and all but sometimes … the I guess because of the disease of the world we fail to understand properly the Bible and its message. There are often contradictory messages… BUT Christ does sum it all up in saying that the greatest commandment is to LOVE GOD and LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR as YOU LOVE YOURSELF.
That is the mark of a true follower of christ… but then what about the other laws? are they any less important? are we to discard them? Justin or Elyon in your books exulted the Great Romance above all other laws are we to do the same as christians? If if we are …. why did God write them in the Holy Bible? I do not know and am really confused. How does God want us to deal with Homosexuals love them? or try to change them? Or be yoked with them? Is it a sin to love them? and is it a sin to condemn them?
re: BDONE - “How does God want us to deal with Homosexuals - love them? or try to change them? Or be yoked with them? Is it a sin to love them? and is it a sin to condemn them?”
a lot of friends of mine have raised those question (as well as on http://www.revelife.com - a subnetwork on http://www.xanga.com, where i’m a blogger) and i have thought about this. here’s what i think (you might agree with me, you might disagree with me - just my opinion)
1. yep, i believe that God wants us to love them. but we have to differentiate what kind of love we’re talking about. and borrowing Ted’s description of love between Chelise and Thomas, he saw Elyon’s kid BENEATH the disease. so we love people, yet we are not called to put up with the disease.
2.change ‘em - you can’t. they have to want to change. and God can change. trying to change someone is useless.
3. it’s not a sin to love them - on the contrary, it’s what we’re called to do (see #1)
4. it *is* a sin, however, to condemn them. “the one who’s without sin be the first to throw the stone at her,” said Jesus to the accusers of the prostitute. yes, maybe the accusers tried to follow the law or whatever, but they were not sinless. and sin cannot be measured in “small” or “big”… it’s sin. so, by condemning them… we condemn ourselves because we deem ourselves good enough to look upon others.
IMHO. maybe i am wrong.
It is not a sin to love them. You love the person but not the lifestyle they have chosen. God loved us but not the lifestyle we chose. When we surrendered to Him, He began to shape us into the people He desired us to be. The only people we can change is ourselves but through our testimony and the way we live and our witness, we can bring others to the ONE who changes lives.
thanks Dorothy, you just confirmed what i had always thought.
Wow, this sums up everything I’ve been stuggling with in the past little while. When people ask me what religion, or belifs I have, I’m always hesitant to say “Christian”. Not because I’m afraid of being mocked because I folow Jesus, but because of all the negative, untrue definitions tied on by people who call themselves Christian, whose lifestyle can infact be worse at times than “non-christians”. So when people asked me what I belive, I told them I have no religion, I believe in love, and I belive that Jesus is love, and that I have a relationship instead of religion. So in otherwords I’m telling them the heart of my belifs without all the negative attachments. But of course I met opposition in doing so. My Christian friends say thats just part of being a Christian. We will be persecuted and accused of doing and being things that we arent and vice versa. I completely understand that and I am not running away from the social rejection of being a Christian. But maybe people wouldnt be so eager to be rid of us if they understood better who we are. If you understood that we are love, instead of a bigoted, judgemental, self-serving, not to mention hypocritical people, would you be more open to accepting us and possibly Jesus? Or am I, as in some other Christians views, denying who I am?
“So, should I not call myself a Christian?” some may ask. What I infer from this is, it depends on what that means. Does it mean a hater or a cultist? I am not a Christian in that sense! We must reinvent the wheel… I mean the word … of Christianity. Or we can find a new word to describe us, us followers of Christ./? Just depends…
I have had this mindset for a while (ever since I read “The Shack”), but I really appreciate the way Ted has put it into words. Of course I would expect nothing less of the man, he is a master wordsmith. I don’t know how our ideals got so convoluted that love can no longer be seen at all in our beliefs in a general sense. How did we let our mission and message degrade to the point that the term “Christian” became a negative reflection on our character? My personal opinion is that the church society has injected so much of its own carnal doctrine and human theology into the message that it is totally unrecognizable. Man, in an attempt to legalize the message of Christ, has completely stripped that message of love, which WAS the message. So the whole message and mindset of the church at large is incorrect in my opinion. Sure, there is a certain amount of truth in it, but without the complete love of Christ, as well as Grace and the removal of all judgment, it loses its value and appeal for the diseased/deceived. We, the followers of Jesus who are still lovers, and lovers ONLY, are in the minority. We are the remnant, but with the influence of great minds like Ted (and his readers), I believe we can bring it back around, reintroducing the concept of love above all else to a new generation of people, and restoring the Love of Christ as the only driving factor in our interaction with others. We are to love, not judge; to lift up and edify one another, not look down our noses and tear each other down just because a person may not fit in the mold of our ideals. With that being said, if the term “Christian” is offensive or a misrepresentation of my beliefs and motives to anyone, please feel free to simply call me a lover of Elyon and my fellow man. I love my God and I love all of you, and my God is in love with you all. Everything else is between you and Him.
To me this is all summed up by simply checking denominations at the door, dropping our masks, and saying “I am a Christ Follower”. Show your love to the unlovable, be slow to speak slow to anger, and quick to listen. Much like the dance shown at the Gathering this weekend. Quick, slow slow, are the steps. So for me it is out with the baby. I will wait on God to turn my water into wine. To perfect and purify, and to refine me as precious metal. It can be painful. Much like the removal of a dead branch from my life. The sudden growth of new healthier branches is the blessing of going through the pain.
Mad respects to you Ted Dekker!
A Follower of Christ, and a person on the path of having a Christ esteem,
Leslie Bowlus
I agree with Ted. We have become associated with a name that no longer stands for what we believe in and have believed in. We might need a new name to describe us, but I think that soon we may find that the only way to keep this event in history from repeating itself is to avoid being labeled, much less to give ourselves a label. I think that now or soon being called a God-Follower or a Believer may have a better connotation than being called Christian, just because of exactly what Ted has explained.
another word that has been mistreated, interpreted, and changed… is love
When I was 19 yrs old, which is quite awhile ago now, I stopped calling myself a christian. I had spent the previous 12 years, starting at age 7 reading high school leve, moving onto college level by 13, everything about the faith into which I was born. At 15 I read a tome call The Philosophy of Judaism, it made sense to do that since I had been following Christ for as long as I had memory and as I said to a beloved Priest at the young age of 9 ‘well, I have not read anywhere, anything that tells me HE came to start a NEW religion!’ I was hushed to silence and encouraged in my studies - the man was an incredible spiritual director! So what am I? Probably somewhat similar to what you are, a disciple of Christ, a willinging Student of the Holy Spirit and Beloved of G-D….it gets no better than that…and all of the is nothing less than an understatement… Enjoy, thanks for the stories…
I agree 100%. Thanks for telling it like it is, and not sugar-coating anything.
God Bless, Karina
Ted, I love your stuff, dude. You’re a wonderful writer. If it’s fiction and you’ve written it, I’ve got it (and will continue to get it). BMD was great! Keep using your talents in story, because I love the result!
But I think you’re way off here. I think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. And honestly, I read one of your earlier comments–something about going to Mars and thought, “What in the world?…”
Almost any label has negative connotations in the minds of some. Where I live (imagine Mayberry, USA), a black/African-American man is thought of by many as lazy or a law-breaker. A Latino would be thought of in the same light. Is is shameful that this is reality in my corner of the world, but that’s exactly how it is with many. The sins of the few have caused the whole to be painted with the same brush.
Jesus’ name is scoffed at by millions of people in our world. So what? Does that mean we have to refer to him in some other way?
I’m sorry, but I just don’t see the importance of this issue.
WOO-HAH!!! ON THE LAM FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT– ON THE RUN WITH THE BABY!! I’LL BE A FUGITIVE FROM THE NARROW AND CONFINING SHOEBOX THAT HAS BEEN MISLABELED CHRISTIANITY BUT IS REALLY A HIDING PLACE FOR A FUNK THAT MAKES GOD’S EYES WATER… REALLY… AND MINE TOO. I’VE FALLEN VICTIM TO THE FUNKY CHRISTIAN SHOE BLUES. FEELING TOO SHY TO REACH OUT TO THE GIRL WITH THE ALCOHOL SOAKED, WHITE POWDER DUSTED SWEATER WITH THE GIANT RED LETTER ON IT FOR FEAR OF HER SCALES. FOR SHAME!!!! HOW DARE WE AS LOVERS OF THE GREAT ROMANCE SHY AWAY! GUESS WHAT? SHY IS A THIEF. IT TAKES AWAY OPPORTUNITIES. GUESS WHAT ELSE I FOUND OUT?? THE DISEASE COMES OFF. BUT ONLY WHEN WASHED AWAY IN PRECIOUS LIFE GIVING RED POOL. DO I REGRET NOT LEADING HER THERE? DO I THINK IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME TO LEAD HER THERE? DID I FALL ON MY FACE FOR HOURS PRAYING FOR SOMEONE TO REACH HER IN HER COMA TWO STATES AWAY AND PRAY WITH HER IN HER DYING MOMENTS? ABSOLUTELY. WILL SHY KEEP ME FROM EMBRACING ANOTHER IN THEIR DISEASED STUPOR? WHAT, AND RISK LOSING ANOTHER BROTHER OR SISTER?
SITTING WATER GROWS STAGNANT. THAT’S MAN’S WATER. STIR IT UP AND THROW IT OUT. GOD’S LIVING WATERS ARE CONSTANTLY FLOWING AND NEVER GROW STALE. I’LL GO WITH THE BABY THANK YOU.
“ON THE RUN WITH THE BABY!!”
Hopethinker…Faithwalker…Lovebreather..
(*Open Door V, Stage Left*)
you never cease to amaze me. i couldnt agree more.
I’m not so sure we should give up so easily. Should we surrender the name that has identified us for generations because of the misconception of others? A person’s concept can be changed through our actions and how we live our lives. My mother always taught me that nine times out of ten, the hard thing to do is the right thing to do. In this case it is easier to simply change our name and not correct the real problem, the negative concept that the world has for Christians because they have not seen true CHristianity. we make enough comprimises in today’s day and age.
More and more I’m coming to grips with the loss of my label. For many years, Christianity has been a nice blanket term for my beliefs as it did not necessarily imply any denomination, but as of late that term is becoming a word that I don’t like to associate with. There is a social stigma as to what a Christian is or how you should react to someone who professes to be one, and I don’t need that kind of judgment before someone even gets to know me! I understand that we live in a world that loves their labels, it makes it easier to pigeon hole people or identify them into categories for whatever purpose. For some, labels are important factors they use to decide whether you are a worthy enough person to care about. I personally am tired of labels altogether, and that made me think ‘then why do I personally impose one on my self by calling myself a “Christian”?’
I agree that I don’t want to throw out the baby, but that bath water has gotten murky enough for me. I want the beautiful clean baby and nothing more than that. I’m glad that there are other people out there that understand how I feel. Like not wanting to profess a label that, for some, conjures images of abortion clinic bombings and bloody wars in the name of God. That is not me and I do not agree with those actions, but calling myself by the same name somehow implies to people that it is and that I do. It seems to me that we are doing our wondrous, loving God a disservice by representing him that way.
Holy moly! I don’t know if you read all these comments, Ted Dekker, but dude, you are so incredibly eloquent and so stinkin’ full of the Holy Spirit! Thank you, thank you, thank you! For posting this. I want the baby!
I have seen what it means have someone toss you aside because you say you are a Christian. This girl I work with, who is not a Christian, was afraid to let me come to her home because her dad and boyfriend smoked pot all the time and she thought I was going to judge her. I was quick to put those assumptions aside. I gave her my biggest smile and told her I love her no matter what!
Being a Christian is more than gold chains with phat crosses on them. It’s more than a WWJD bracelets. It’s more than a dusty Bible on your shelf.
But I’ve read a lot of comments that say that people don’t want to associate with the term “Christian” and they would rather shrug it off, stop using that title for themselves. Don’t be so quick to abandon the name we’ve used since the beginning of the church! We are still called to be “little Christs”.
Let us show the world what a true Christian is!
Thanks again for this post!
Michaela
Oh, and I just read your comment about discovering who we are. I think that is very, VERY important. I’m sure most of us are aware that many people carry the title Christian proudly on their chest, but they have no idea what that means. “Christian” is their identity, but like you said, it can be so ambigious.
I know who I am. Of course everyday I am still discovering myself, but for the most part my identity is very clear. Yes, I am a Christian, but I am more than that. I am the adopted daughter of the Creator of the universe. My daddy is Yahweh, the God of Abraham and Isaac. I am loved and cherished more than I even realize. I am more than a conqueror, etc. etc.
I think that instead of telling everyone that we are Christians, we should first know who we are. We should know what being a “Christian” entails. Because people are going to ask and we should be ready to give an answer.
Ted,
I have always found you fascinating, though I have not read anything of yours in awhile. I was curious at your choice to use the word “gay” as a comparison in your example though. Perhaps it is because both “Christian” and “gay” have an incredible political stigmata these days, mostly negative in both cases, and also often assumed to work in opposition to each other.
I agree and disagree mutually with the idea of not wanting to be labeled/confined to any term. Mostly because I understand the implications of the matter. My story is different than others. I find that when I “label” myself a Christian others are often taken aback by the very sound of it and question me adamantly on the fundamental theological issues of me being such; or on the happenstance that the person who asked my religion is not a self-proclaimed Christian, I am questioned on why I would wish to associate myself with “those” people. Either way, I have a tool that most do not have to people’s hearts and minds. And yes, it focuses on love.
Once asked, I like to be very specific and precise about exactly what I believe but allow for Thought to occur and change me.
At the same time, I have also found over the years that if I need to defend myself or my label then I am not being a true witness to Christ or myself. If I am carrying the fire then it should shine in my face regardless of what I am wearing.
I agree completely people are gettin te wrong picture
I do agree with you Mr. Decker, the world often has the wrong perspective of us as Christians, and we should do our best to show them the truth. But the world will see what it wants to see. It will see the biggots and hypocrites that call themselves “Christians” and ignore the rest of us that truly embrace that love for others that comes from Christ Himself. But there is a responsability that comes with that wonderful undying love. A responsability for one’s actions. That is why the world hates us, they hate that responsability that we teach more than anything, it scares them. So therefore they look for any way possible to degrade Christianity as a whole. It gets rid of that responsability if they belittle the teachers. But, all the same, we should continue to show this love in any way we can, as we are commanded to do. There is still that 9% that don’t hate us. That few that we can have a hope to reach. And as we reach more and more, more people will see that we aren’t haters or biggots. Rather we are lovers and forgivers that are called by Christ to share that love and forgiveness with the world.
Our love for Christ and through Christ should be the first thing people see in us. We show that love by our actions, and yes, by becoming all things to all people so that we may win some of them to Christ. Truly society and the ailing world that we live in has tried to change the meaning of many words, yet truth is absolute. The true meaning of a word does not change and cannot change, it can only become a stumbling block to those who do not understand the truth or have never been come into contact with it.
We show people truth by the way we live and love. those of us who are followers of Christ, Sons and Daughters of The Most High,and “Christians” should be walking in love. Love will conquer fears and change resolves, because love in Christ knows no boundaries. It goes the extra mile, it forgives, and does not take note of wrongs. The more we walk in love the more we show people who we are and what we are about. And who we are is a result of whom we belong.
If asked if I am a Christian, I would gladly say yes, because that is an absolute truth, but to say that I am a daughter of the Most High through the blood of Jesus Christ is not only what I am it is who I am.
True, we should all become all things to all people for the sake of winning some. So I would not go to a country who only know the definition of the word Christian by there own experiences with those they encountered as Christians, but when we go in the like the Apostle Paul did, in the name of the unknown God…we still do the works of Christ, because to some he is the unknown God. Wisdom and knowledge is the key that unlocks revelation for us all. So in all our getting, let us get understanding and let us ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom so that we may save many from perishing.
Many have expressed the worldview of the Christian perspective. As such, we are commanded to love one another; despite the sin. We are known by the love we show. In and of that, common politeness such as a smile or saying “Good Morning” and really meaning it are very simple ways to show His light. Given this, I tend to keep Christianity simple-trying to have the faith of a child. There is more truth in that. However, inwardly I am totally aware of the deeper precepts of being a Christian. I only delve into precepts if asked or when witnessing-even then, I try to keep it simple. Love is His message. God’s Word is a wonderful love story. It is the Sacred Romance.
Now that I’ve said this, take courage. Let your love light shine. Allow God in all things; meaning let Him worry about what others say-He has a plan for them too. To those who overcome for His name sake, is the Kingdom of Heaven. God Bless. Walk in His Light-don’t hide.
I hear what you’re saying about the use of the term Christianity. But many bigots and hateful people have frequently used the name of Jesus Christ. When I tell people that I am a follower of Jesus, I get just as many negatives as I do when if I use the word Christian or Christianity. If we stop using the word Christianity, should we also stop using the word Jesus? Or Christ?
In the early church the word Christian was originally used in a mocking and deragatory manner. But the Holy Spirit took that word and set his approval on it in the New Testament scriptures. It seems to me that the real issue is not throwing out a word but rather taking the language of the Holy Spirit and explaining and demonstrating by our lifestyle the biblical meaning of the word whether it be the word Christian or Jesus or Christ or love or whatever.
My personal opinion is that just because the majority of people whom have bared the label of “christian”,doesn’t mean those true Christians should renounce their title. An interesting note is that if you study the greek manuscript of the new testament,you’ll find that “Christian” is another way of saying little Christ. An example could be someone who has served faithfully in the United States Marine Corp,only to find that other “Marines” are not living up to the moral code and standard of their organization. Do you join another branch? No,you as a real Marine or in this case Christian set an example and show what it really means to be a Christian. Persecution will come,because that is the cost of being a true follower. I would rather be hated for Christ than to befriend satan and be at peace with him.
Amen!I agree 110% with your sentiment, Ted, and have always been wary of using the term “Christian”. I understand where Exzavier is coming from with citing the original meaning of the term Christian (that is, little Christ), but its like you said. Meanings change with time. When the unbelievers hear the term “Christian” do they think little Christ? The answer is a resounding no. Satan has cast a thick darkness on that title throughout the ages. It doesn’t matter if we know what a true Christian is and what isn’t. We aren’t saved unto ourselves to parade around titles that only mean something to us. Our charge is to the care, love and service of others and it is not a bad idea to think up terms that separate us from that awful stigma and let THEM (that is, the lame, sick, blind and poor that we are called to profess the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ to) know that there is a difference between the followers and the mere professors. I am beginning to prefer “child of God” or “son of God” over Christian these days.
In any event, I pray that this blog entry stirs up within us the NEED to be the difference… not only in title but in our walk, talk, attitude and every manner of living. The Lord is calling for no less in this hour.
Great read.
Hey David! God bless,and thanks for responding. I still do believe that we can show people what it means to be a christian. Of course we dont have to be called Christiana,but who does the devil think he is to run us away from the name we were given? The nerve of satan. Hey lets exemplify what it truly means to be christians and take not only our heritage back but the validity of our name!
I just hung up from a phone call in which a member of my church informed me ever-so-succinctly that she didn’t care what my idea was/is for an upcoming event, she was going to handle it in such-and-such a way because SHE was involved. She actually said that. She informed me (again) that I am not leading this church, and therefore no one is following. This is another reason I don’t think everyone who self-labels as “Christian” actually is.
I agree with much of what Ted says. Maybe it might be a better idea to go back to the original name the followers of Yeshua (Jesus) had in mind, “Follower’s of The Way” I don’t think the name Christian is a bad one, but since it has made the Gospel something it is not, maybe the early of Followers had the right idea.
It’s not the name that matters, but whether a person has a personal relationship with Yeshua (Jesus), and as a result of that relationship treats all people with love. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with a person’s choices. Part of the church’s problem is that too often we think we can force (through laws) what must happen by change of heart (last time I checked, that was the job of the Holy Spirit, not us). We forget the God not only gave us freedom of choice (a free will), but honors that choice. How can we do less.
Let us, as the Apostle John wrote, “But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:5-6, TNIV) That is what shows a person loves Jesus, not a name, but do they live as Jesus lived!
I understand where this is coming from. I see it just about everyday, even inside my own family. But I do not think we should suddenly change our identity. Like it or not names give us identity. It is what people then associate with our actions and try and understand where we come from and why we do something. Whenever I make a corny joke my friends grin because it’s me. Whenever one of my friends makes one of those jokes they sometimes call it a Travis or say I should’ve said that. So names help shape us. So who’s fault is it if the name Christian has became equivalent with jugmental hypocrite? Isn’t it ours? Don’t we all share that? Even if you try and distance yourself from that name you admit that you were a part of it and so you share guilt in the misuse of the name. So if it is our fault that it is misconstrued then it is our responsibility to fix that. If you begin to identify yourself with a name then eventually people will follow it. Once others take on the same label some will not live up to it so you’re going to have the same problem a few years later. So I will continue to bear the name christian and I will grieve whenever I am accused of being false and then witness to people the true meaning of a Christian, which is love.
This is really what it is to be a Christian:
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
and the only way to test it:
“This how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. ” 1 John 4:2&3
and obviously:
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:8 - 10
simple.