The Two Things That Will Help You Be a Better Christian
Did you know that nearly 70% of the US population identifies themselves as Christian? (See source)
With a number like that, you would think the cultural climate of today would be a whole lot... nicer, right? But that's just not the case. Hop onto any social media platform and you'll quickly discover people just can't seem to agree. On anything. Whether it’s politics, world events, vaccination status, mask mandates, hot-button topics, there are plenty of topics that are sure to divide
And those are just a few of the most explosive topics you'll find on your news feed. If you recall the statistic I began this blog with, you'll see that if 70% of the US population identifies as Christian, then -gasp- Christians are part of the problem.
Are you telling me I can't have an opinion?
Absolutely not! One of my favorite things to do is hash out deeply controversial topics with trusted friends and family members. It's important to talk about things, and it's also important to stand up for what you believe in. However, there's a difference between coming from a close-minded approach that says, "I'm right, you're wrong, and I am unwilling to hear your perspective," instead of, "This is a difficult topic and there is no easy answer, however, my personal thoughts are..."
The first statement creates division, judgment, and aggression.
The second statement is an invitation for healthy discussion, growth, and opportunities to see a new perspective. It doesn't mean you have to be forced into believing something different. But realize that to any approach, you do not have the power to change someone's mind, no matter how hard you may try.
My advice, and what I have seen firsthand to be the most effective in having difficult conversations like this, is to bring these two qualities into any conversation. Your attitude has more power than any fact, statistic, or bible verse.
The Two Things That Will Make You a Better Christian:
1. LOVE
It's astounding to me that some of the most outspoken Christians can be so passionate about Jesus and their moral convictions, yet omit some of the most important instructions the Bible teaches us on being followers of Christ. Friends, you cannot omit the very essence of Christianity in your messages that you then say, are adhering to God's standards.
Read over these verses:
"If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I have nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (emphasis added)
"We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God who he has not seen. And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister."
1 John 4:19-21
"I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35
A lack of love completely disqualifies your efforts, your message, and your actions.
These are just a few, a small few verses that highlight the importance of love in the lives of believers. You have a choice: be "right" at all costs, or be "Christian" at all costs, even if that means graciously ending a conversation. Even if it means allowing yourself to look foolish.We all have an important message to share. But you're missing it if you think it is anything but the love Jesus has for every single human you encounter, whether they are standing before you or behind a screen.
Remember that every person you meet, everyone, was deemed worthy for Jesus to die for.
2. HUMILITY
I will never forget this message written in an article by Joe Forrest, questioning how believers can truly know that God upholds the ideals they so firmly fight for. He uses the verse about God creating man in His image and illustrates the point that as a Christian society, we’ve done just the opposite: we've created a God who believes and follows all the same principles that we do. His compelling question:
If you don’t believe me, here’s a test devised by Christian writer Skye Jethani: Name one strongly held opinion of yours that you know differs from that of God.
I’ll give you a minute. Think of one issue that you and God disagree on.
You’re probably struggling to think of a single thing. And that’s kinda strange, right? You and God have the exact same opinions about life, the universe, and everything? You align on every hot button issue tearing our country apart right now?
This question reminds me of the verse in Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts and your ways are not my ways." This is the Lord's declaration. "For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
And this one:
Who will you compare Me to, or who is My equal? ” asks the Holy One. (Isaiah 40:25)
'Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.'
The Bottom Line: Reserve the Right to Be Wrong
It's pretty bold to put God's name on something controversial, political, or deeply complex. Any of the verses above can tell us that though we can get to know God deeply, we can never get close to understanding his thoughts. Even in the last year, I've heard my own pastor make statements in church similar to, "We have to vote for our Christian values." In making such a statement, after publicly backing a particular presidential candidate, he insinuates that anyone who doesn't fall in line with that party's ideals is excluded. But excluded how? In Christianity? In this congregation? In any response, it's counter-productive to the message of the gospel, which is that Jesus died for all. He welcomed all.
Humility is simply defined as having a modest view of your own importance.
You do not have the final authority. You do not have the final say. Let's remember who does, and let's act like him (see point 1).
Summary:
Our actions speak so much louder than our words. More important than any argument we want to win, or any noble cause we want to endorse, is our character as believers. If you want to change the world, or even change someone’s mind, start by showing them Jesus, the only one who has the power to bring about those changes. We are called to be the light of the world, to display the hope of Christ. Our role as believers is to represent Him, to be transformed into His image. When Jesus had the opportunity to display His power and authority on the earth, instead he chose to empty Himself completely, becoming a servant, taking on humanity, and humbling Himself through obedience and death on a cross. (See Philippians 2). Let’s strive to be more like Jesus: to show more love and less hate.
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