Hope in How I Can Call Myself a Christian and . . .
Sometimes when I post spiritual thoughts on my Facebook it really encourages people. I like that, especially because I have always felt my spiritual giftedness leans toward encouraging others and that is sure the way I would like to encourage the most.
But other times, for whatever reason, it will offend people or make them take a shot at me via a FB post. I guess when you put your soul out there, you can expect it to get kicked around a couple of times. I realize I take that risk. I guess I just feel it's worth it.
I don't mind a good debate or discussion. I understand that there are over 30,000 Christian denominations out there and not every one is going to agree with my journey and findings along the way. That is OKAY. I have LOTS of friends that I don't agree with on many issues and it's very good to discuss those things. Geeze, if I only hung out with people I agree with, I'd be a dork.
What does bother me about when this happens, is often times it's from people who never interact with me on my FB for months at a time or even years. Then they will just blast me with some statement or "question" that you know they really don't want an answer to because they've already completely made up their mind and mostly just want to prove how in the wrong you are. That type of person has no desire to have a real discussion. I would also wonder if there is real friendship there as well? I guess I just have to Hope for the best.
One of the "questions" I often get, is people asking;
"How can you say you're a Christian and...?"
Most of the time it will have something to do with the other persons' morality, theologies, lifestyle or political persuasion.
First of all... my first answer to that question is... why are you asking ME? Do I hold the keys to Salvation and Life?? I don't THINK so. The question in itself is ludicrous in my opinion. It is also one that, if asked at all, should ONLY be asked of oneself.
Whenever someone feels the need to say "How can you call yourself a Christian and..."? I feel their motivation probably stems from the fact that... "I have to kick you out of my club. If you don't agree with me." Which many people are fine with that reaction by Christians. They just say... "Okay, I guess I can't be a "christian" then." Then they walk away and have a very bad taste in their mouth about who Jesus is.
That's what bothers me the most about that type of question. It sets standards and guidelines on the Gospel that were NEVER meant to be there. (I could insert all sorts of bible verses here to back up my point, but I won't. I'm really done with that game).
The Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus and asked... "Good Teacher, What must I DO to inherit Life Eternal?" It's funny to me how Jesus says, "Why do you call ME good... only GOD is good."
Which some christian denominations would use this verse to point out that Jesus and God are not the same. That's one way to look at it I guess...
But *I* think Jesus wanted this man to KNOW exactly WHO he was talking to. Jesus wanted this man to TRULY seek Life Eternal. Which IS God.
Jesus was often tricky in His conversations. I can't wait to ask Him why He did that!
Cause it sure beats me!
The man in the story then lists off that he has followed ALL the commandments. What a good boy he was! Jesus told him that was good, but that he should sell every thing he owns, give it to the poor and follow Him. Then he would have "treasure in Heaven." ...The man's face fell. Because he was very, very rich. The man walked away.
Then Jesus teaches about the "Kingdom of God" by saying that it is hard for the rich to enter in. I don't believe Jesus was talking about "Heaven" here. My theory of studying scripture is that The Kingdom of God is a world that is HERE and LATER.
I believe Jesus was talking about the fact that our own efforts can never, never be what makes us become a part of that Kingdom or stay in the Kingdom! I mean, how many people do you know that became a "Christian" by selling everything they owned?? I sure don't know any! Was that what Jesus was trying to say the standard was?? I don't think so.
So, how can I call myself a Christian and...?
I'll tell you how. Because Jesus says so!
He came, He died, He rose again and He CONQUERED sin and death. Then He said... "It is FINISHED."
That's how.
I have HOPE in that!
Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
But, you have to..... ah ah ah. LOL SO DONE WITH THAT!! REJOICING IN GRACE WITH YOU! (AND yeah, I'm yelling; with joy!)
Thank you!
DeleteI'm still a little jealous that the blog I shared with your writings got more hits than ANY of my blogs!
tee hee!! Okay... not HORRIBLY jealous because it was beautiful!
Thank you for the compliment.
My insecurity thanks you as well.
LOVE VU!
Well, it was your fine editing and the topic!
ReplyDeleteI love this:
First of all... my first answer to that question is... why are you asking ME? Do I hold the keys to Salvation and Life?? I don't THINK so. The question in itself is ludicrous in my opinion. It is also one that, if asked at all, should ONLY be asked of oneself.
Why are you asking me? LOVE IT!!
Thank you for the compliment! It really was an amazing story!
DeleteRight, "Why are you asking me?"
My guess is it's for the same reason the Pharisees asked Jesus the questions they did... Jesus ALSO knew they weren't REALLY asking. So He often didn't answer or answered with a question.
But, unlike Jesus... I don't hold all the answers. I just hold Jesus... in mine heart. ;)