Something that I meditated on today. Being a landscaper and i’m on a mower/weedeater for hours i have time to ponder things.
The question is “How can someone say they are a Christian and yet do and say things that are Obviously not, and then justify it?”
It hit me! We as Christians create our own god. We read who God is, Pray to God, receive guidance from His Spirit; or are we? Remember, I have been a Christian for two years and always had a bad taste in my mouth for “Christians”. It seems like I hold Christians to a higher standard now that I am one and have a little knowlege of the Word. Anyways (rabbit trail), I’m seeing a pattern of people having different opinions of who God is. I usually tell myself that it’s because God is working on different areas in everyone’s lives, but sometimes the difference in opinions of who He is is contrary to another. I realized today that in some cases, we might actually be talking about two diiferent Gods. The God of the bible on one hand, and this god that someone has created. I see the need for it though, If i’m doing something that deep down I know God is not pleased with, why not convince myself that he actually IS okay with it? To give an example, this only applies to Christians that actually defend a certain act, not someone that when it is exposed repents. When someone cusses ALL the time and claim they are a Christian, using the excuse “we’re all human”, “i’m not perfect”, “i’m not Jesus”, “God’s working that out in me”, it just rubs me in a weird way. Or drugs, drunkeness, casual sex, etc etc. My point is, is that people seem to tell themselves that God is okay with it. Since, obviously, He is not, what god are they speaking about? The one that’s been created that seems to be pleased with whatever I do? “God knows my heart”, yeah He sure does. He says it is deceitfully wicked!
When sin is exposed in our lives, by whatever means, should we not be greatful that God loves us enough to expose it and repent, rather than come up with a reason why we are doing it? It’s funny because I seem to have more trouble with Christians than non-believers. When I’m around a bunch of unsaved people, I expect what comes with the territory. But when I can’t see a difference between a group of non-believers and a group of Christians, I seem to flounder. I’m supposed to hate evil. I’m supposed to have rightoues anger. I have a desire to keep the Word pure. I have a desire to keep theology of the Church pure.
I want to know what areas in MY heart are holding me back from loving “Christians” the way I know God wants me to. Am I just being judgemental, not wanting to look at my faults? Is it MY pride? Is my knowledge puffing me up?
Any counsel/advice/opinions/Scripture would be appreciated.
Pray for me :)
Hey Roger, I bumbled into this post of yours, it has sure been a long time ago, I don’t know if you will even see this response.
Even though it was so long ago, I think its a huge topic.
I read a book this summer your might get something out of, I feel like I did. I gave it to Brian the other night to read, I don’t think he has gotten to it yet.
“Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better
by Brant Hansen”
I don’t read non-fiction of any kind as a rule, The author is a goofball but I think he still makes good points, I think he may have a different approach.
I pray all is well with your family, I sure hope you get this, we’re all on this rabbit trail together, can we call “The Way” a rabbit trail? :o)