Look Up!
I've had many of these similar conversations in the past few weeks, so I feel compelled to share.
Here's the gist:
Another Person: I don't like the people in *Baptist churches, and I don't prefer *Pentecostals, or *Mennonites either. In fact, I really can't stand Christians. I know (insert name) from this or that church, and they said a very rude thing to me, and then another one has proven she's a total hypocrite.
Me: Yep! I can confidently agree that I've experienced those same things.
Other Person: You have?
Me: You betcha! In fact, sadly I am one of those hypocrites. I'll even tell you this: if you're lookin' to be hurt, you can trust a Christian to do it. I've been jabbed by the best!
Other Person: I've never heard a Christian say that before.
Me: Just because I'm a believer in Jesus Christ doesn't mean I'm perfect. Not by a long shot! Believe me --I wish this wasn't true, but I still do the wrong things way too many times.
Other Person: (usually silence)
Me: But ... that's exactly why I've learned to look up instead of at the person beside me. If I've done something wrong, or I've hurt you, I can repent and God forgives me. Hopefully you will too. On the other hand, if someone who says they're a Christian hurts me, I have the choice to forgive them, even if they don't ask. No matter what, my relationship with Christ is more important than any other one. In the end, I have only my own actions to be accountable for.
Other Person: Isn't that hard?
Me: SO hard! Sometimes it's a daily struggle for me, but that's what keeps me looking up!
HE is my peace, HE is my comfort, and HE is my Saviour.
Two short points:
Christians: the struggle's real, but so is the JOY. Whether people are watching us with a judgmental eye, or a barely interested one, we are responsible for our actions. God knows us inside and out. He knows what we shine at, and He knows our every weakness. We must, individually, look up and follow the mission He has for each of us!
People looking at Christians: we aren't perfect. We're fallible human beings just like you. If we do the wrong thing, and that is your excuse for not believing in God, or attending church, or whatever -- instead of fixating your eyes on the horizontal plane -- I suggest you look up!
Jesus wants a relationship with YOU!
If you believe in God's Son, you belong to Him, and God's opinion is the only one that counts!
I've found much encouragement in Paul's letters, because it's when we're feeling weak that God steps in and shares His amazing strength!
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NASB1995)"Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
Praying for you Always,
Pattie Janzen
*If you attend a church denomination that I've not mentioned in the above conversation, please don't feel left out. Yours has probably been mentioned to me too. I simply didn't have room to type that long list.
Want encouragement? This song has it!
(I Will Carry You, by Ellie Holcomb)
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