"The trouble with people who talk too fast is that they often say something they haven't thought about yet."
--Proverbs 21:23
I've been noticing a disturbing trend in Christianity lately. It's not that the number of people identifying as Christians is going down. History is a cycle and the numbers go down and up throughout the ages. One day the country will be in revival again.
It's not that Christians are getting picked on by society more and more. Christians have always faced persecution from society in one form or another. When you stand outside of society and hold to a different moral ground then ridicule will come. There will always be ridicule from those who don't have Christ.
The thing that has been bothering me has been a trend in people making excuses for their faith. They start a conversation or a topic by saying, "I am Christian, but... ."
"I am Christian, but I'm not a liberal."
"I am Christian, but I'm not a conservative."
"I am Christian, but I'm not a homophobe."
"I am Christian, but I'm straight."
"I am Christian, but I'm not a hypocrite."
"I am Christian, but I don't judge."
You get the point. People feel like they have to defend their Christianity for some reason or another. If they don't, then they'll be judged, ridiculed or made fun of. The problem, however, is when we start to make excuses for our beliefs, then we start to forget what our beliefs are all about.
When we put artificial conditions on Christianity and automatically start to think that our view of Christ is somehow better than "those other" Christians. When you start your testimony off with the word "but" then you have already fallen into the trap of judgment. And you cannot have a real, authentic faith in Christ if judging others is what your faith is built upon.
The Apostle Paul teaches us how to give a true testimony about the power of Christ. And he gives us a couple of things to remember. The first is our testimony should always start with how Christ changes our lives. And the second is he starts his testimony with the word "but."
1 Corinthians 1:16: But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life.
Paul's testimony tells us not, "I am a Christian, but." Instead it tells us, "I am a Christian, because!"
Because Jesus forgave me, I'm a Christian.
Because of that forgiveness, I serve as an example to you.
Because of God's love for sinners I have a story to tell!
The only condition we should place upon the power of God working in our lives should be our own limitations. Not others. If we use the conjunction in our testimony it should always tell others about our own shortcomings.
"I am a Christian, but I'm still a sinner."
"I am a Christian, but I'm still learning."
"I am a Christian, but God still loves me."
If you have made excuses in your own testimony, then stop placing limitations on God and start telling people how God has worked a miracle in your life.
Let us pray.
Dear God. We sometimes forget that in this crazy, upside-down world that you remain faithful. Your faith in us is astounding and we ask today that you help us to understand how you work in our lives and allow us to become true examples of your love in this world. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
Religion on 09/23/2015