Drinking two cups of coffee is a poor decision for me. Ever. But drinking two cups of coffee at 10:30 at night... REALLY poor decision. But it's caused me to want to start writing in my blog again so I guess it was worth it.
I have been really thinking lately about how embarrassed I am to be a Christian.
YES. I said that.
So many people around me who are heavily involved in local churches, who work with youth, and go on missions trips make me want to cry.
Why?
Because they are living lives that look extremely similar to those of the Pharisees.
The Pharisees were so wrapped up in the law and doing everything by "code" that they missed Jesus... when He was staring them in the face.... begging them to see Him.
Jesus was on the streets with the beggars, the tax collectors, and the harlots. He didn't care about His appearance, His pride, or His personal emotions. He only had one thing on His mind and that was showing those around Him the Heavenly Father who loved them and wanted to call them Sons and Daughters.
It absolutely makes my heart break to see this happening all over again today. So many times I hear "Christians" shoving their religion down other people's necks in a judgmental and condescending way. Since when did sharing the Gospel with someone mean showing them how wrong they are and showing them how right we are?
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8
It makes me sick to see and hear Christians who think that they have earned Salvation and that other people are so sinful that they need to be called out and called to repentance.
This is not my Jesus.
I serve a God of mercy and grace. This is the only reason I live and have the privilege of showing and telling others about this LOVE and JOY I have found.
Of course I am not speaking to all Christians. And I am in no way claiming to be perfect. Everyone and anyone can easily lose sight of what is truly important. Satan works hard at turning our eyes off of Him. I simply challenge you as a fellow Sister in Christ to look hard at your approach to those who do not yet realize the amazing gift of Life being offered to them. Every action you take and every word you say make an impact.
