So You Think You Know What a Christian Is

Beloved of God,

Many people avoid Christianity because they've decided they know what a Christian is.  They decide Christianity is a religion and turn away from the dogma, the things that separate and the hoops to jump through.  Before I came to Christ, I did too.  I didn't want something that drew lines, that made me feel less than, that constricted my freedom and condemned others.  I blamed those things on God when they spoke more to a fallen world.  It can get pretty twisted and complicated here.  What so many unbelievers don't realize, what I didn't realize as a pre-Christian, is that it's THOSE THINGS - the perception of separation, not being good enough, constriction and arrogance - that the enemy uses as a distraction from the POINT. Man-made rules are not the POINT. Jesus is. 

Beloved, we weren't meant to blindly model the Christianity of another person. We're meant to access Jesus and figure out who we are in HIM.  The shortcomings of people who practice religion were never meant to model how Christians should be but moreso emphasize how much we need God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Without a compass, we're lost.  How many times do you hear about experienced hikers needing the rescue?  They get overly confident, go alone and make up their own rules. They THINK they know what they're doing because they've read the books, have experience under their belts or they've learned from the best...but despite all that, even the most experienced can get lost. Or disoriented.  Or lose their tools. Or fall into a hole. Or succumb to prowling beasties.  We all need a compass and a companion.  Survival depends on it.

Beloved, if you think Christians persecute, be someone who loves Jesus and find a way to understand. If you think Christians are judgemental, be someone who loves Jesus and move toward compassion.  If you think Christians are hateful, be someone who loves Jesus and His children, and that's all of us.  Be your own best model as you discover the BECOMING of a life redeemed.

When you get through the muck and mire of how people interpret religion, and get to a RELATIONSHIP with the Creator, religion becomes so small in comparison.  Access to God doesn't seem so complicated when you realize prayer is for everyone, not just for the academics, the priests and the poets. Jesus hung out with the broken and unworthy.  I know because He hangs out with me. Jesus is love and He is God's grace.

Beloved, don't let a Christian hinder your journey with Jesus.  You are not them. You can be His.