The Christian You Know

The moment I tell you that I am Christian you will, undoubtedly, compare me to a Christian that you know...and I’m pretty sure you know at least one. Good, bad, or indifferent you probably have expectations about who and what Christians are and judge me accordingly. I’m not saying you’re necessarily wrong, I’m just saying you might have me confused with someone else.

You see, there are many things that you might not realize about Christians, but because so many of us focus on living our faith and not just talking about it, you might not know that someone is a follower of Christ unless they tell you directly. Seriously, it’s easy to miss us because we’re into the Applied part of our beliefs and working our hearts out to do what is right. This form of our faith isn’t very glamorous, nor does it get a lot of attention because in our culture, flashy matters.

My form of Christianity isn’t very flashy and I like it that way.

It’s almost comical the number of people who thought they knew me and then deserted the friendship the moment I told them that the way I live my life is tied to a label they don’t like. I’ve lost friends, jobs, and even scholarships because when it was discovered that my devotion to a life of service and integrity was influence by my Christian faith, they no longer saw my actions as a conscious decision, but assumed that I was a mindless zombie just doing what I was told by some guy at church.

It was as if placing a label on me negated who I was or what I do. Were they afraid I was going to turn into a one of those hell-fire and brimstone preachers that froth at the mouth and threaten them with the burning pits of sulfur if they did not instantly convert? Seriously, that’s not my speed.

I’m not ashamed of my faith, but I don't feel the need to beat people over the head with it either. I think my time is better spent putting my faith into action and not boring people with labels, don't you agree? My life is extraordinarily blessed because of my faith in Christ. Knowing that the one who created the universe also created me is an amazing experience.

To know that God made me and that He cherishes me regardless of any bad choices or missteps has freed me from the obstacles of this world where our value is based on what you own or what you look like. Do I want everyone to have this kind of peace and assurance in their life? Absolutely! Will I disrespect you, belittle you or judge you because you have chosen a different path? No, because that’s not what God wants and if it was, then that’s not a God I would follow.

The pacifist and activist Mohandas Gandhi said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” There are days when I watch the news and cringe because people claiming to be Christians are working hard to create an image of Christ that doesn’t speak of love, forgiveness, or grace, but one that screams of bigotry and hatred instead. This is not the God I know, and this is not the God I follow.

So the next time you hear that someone is a Christian, take a moment before assuming you know them. Those of us who are busy applying our faith and trying to make this world a better place would appreciate not having to deal with the stereotypes.

Thanks.