Are Christians the problem or the solution?

Gingers219

Are Christians the problem or the solution?

In doing a search on “God is” this morning (for my personal quiet time and maybe a later blog post), I came across this verse:

For, as it is written, problem-or-solution“The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”  Rom. 2:24 (ESV)

Now Paul is writing to Jews here, but I think the spirit of this verse can apply to us as well.

Let’s back up a second and read this in context, starting at verse 17.

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.

So, now, go back and replace the word Jew with Christian and the word law with Bible or God’s Word.

Ouch!

So many “Christians” today do just this. They say we should do one thing, and then they do another. Or say not to do something, and then you find they are the worst offender. We’ve seen it over and over–either in the news or with people we know personally.

But what about us (and I am including myself in this)?

How do others perceive us? Do our lives proclaim our love and devotion for Christ or is the name of God blasphemed because of our words and actions?

Do we:

  • complain (Phil. 2:14)
  • curse (Eph. 4:29)
  • worry (Matt. 6:25-34, 10:19)
  • quarrel (2 Tim. 2:24)

There are a host of other things that we do/can do that destroy our “witness” in others’ eyes.

I like the quote by Francis of Assisi, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”

Walk the talk. Do what you say. Be who you proclaim to be.

If you claim to be a Christian, ACT LIKE CHRIST.

LOVE others!

  • A kind word
  • A smile
  • Trusting God for your need (whatever that might be)
  • Believing that the traffic you’re in will save you from something or teach you to leave earlier (haha)

What other ways can we display the love of Christ to the people (family, friends, and strangers) in our lives?

Blessings,

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Lord, let me be more like You and less like the world today and every day. Amen.

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2 thoughts on “Are Christians the problem or the solution?”

  1. Very good thoughts, Ginger. Not practicing what we preach.

    And I would add that RELIGION is the biggest problem, and unfortunately that’s what the world often sees. Religion is what’s left over after God has already been there and moved on, and we have failed to follow. It’s the pettiness, the emphasis on morality, as if that were the goal. Religion is being satisfied with merely having good theology and a list of spiritual chores we feel we must perform in order to draw down God’s favor. Christianity needs no such list, just as a deep love between a man and woman needs no performance list.

    Many “religious” people have strong beliefs which they would go down in flames defending, and yet when it comes to really loving and trusting God, they have no clue. Real Christianity means we lift everyone around us, not just because we are filled with the principles of God, but because we’re filled with the Presence of God.

    Religion is wanting to convert everybody without loving them. Religion separates itself from sinners, but real Christianity means risking our reputation to invite them HOME. People need to see JESUS in us, not just good morals. If people see the real Jesus in us, they will run to Him…

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