On Apr 20, 7:10=A0pm, Jacob <jni...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Some 'great' men of the world have said, "I admire Christ. It's
> Christians I can't bear with." Or, "These Christians talk great
> things, but their lives are nowhere near." Of course it is a rebuke at
> us Christians, meaning that we are not good representatives of our
> Lord. Each of us bears the blame because the world has been
> disappointed with us many times, to see us behave just like or
> sometimes worse than non-Christians around us. Every genuine Christian
> is burdened with the knowledge that our lives are always coming short
> of what they should be (Ro.7:15-24). But at the same time we must also
> remember that when these 'great' men make statements like these there
> is usually more behind it than what appears on the surface.
>
B - Yes...usually what is behind it is that they hold Christianity to
a greater standard than many so-called Christians do. To me...calling
oneself Christian matters little if you do not have actions to back
that up. To preach at others whilst not seeing that plank in your eye
(sound familiar?) is one of the problems....as is not seeing that to
treat others as you would want to be treated...means that you don't go
around casting judgements on each other or telling others that if they
don't follow "your way" that they are not really Christians. I think
it might be a distrust in God...a distrust built on a belief that God
is petty..that God will be angered at you because you don't read the
bible..or the koran or the torah...or that God is indeed a jealous god
(jealous of what? God is God!) It is this belief that God is away from
you..that someone is closer to God than yourself...and that God plays
favourites. A belief that you can say all the "words" "Lord this and
Lord that" and Praise him and so on and so forth and think "well that
has me covered now..." I can go and lord it over others and act holier
than thou etc." To me God knows the content of my heart and soul...and
that I can't hide my truth or fear or questions. God knows what is
real..what is superficial...what is false piety...what is the
stupidity of the "sheep" and not the giving over oneself's trust of
the sheep" that is the difference. There is no hiding from God. I
totally get it when someone says "God save me from your followers!" it
is somewhat generalizing as not all Christians act the same...but I
get it and the tiring nature of hearing people spout bible verses with
huuuuuuuuuuuuge planks in their eyes. May we be open to God.
I.M.O
Blessings of Christ,
Bren
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