Ain’t no sense in talking about Christians and trying to convince those who truly know Jesus why they shouldn’t be Christians. A Christian whose faith is rooted in Christ isn’t simply holding on to a religious label, tradition, or something somebody told them to believe. We have had our own personal experience with Him.
Like the Apostle Paul, we have become persuaded:
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers,
nor things present nor things to come... shall be able to separate us from the love of God
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39
That kind of persuasion doesn’t come simply from belonging to a church. It comes from knowing JESUS for yourself.
And no, biblical Christianity is not about blind allegiance to some human leader or organization. Everything ultimately points us back to Jesus Christ and what He accomplished for us at the Cross. At Golgotha, Jesus gave His life for our sins so that through faith in Him we could be reconciled to God and saved from sin and its eternal consequences.
And while we’re talking about Christians, let’s be careful about judging somebody’s faith by how they are living materially. Some believers are struggling. Some are living paycheck to paycheck. Some are facing poverty, unemployment, housing insecurity, or seasons of real lack. That does not mean God has abandoned them, nor does it mean they do not have faith.
Jesus never taught us to measure a person’s relationship with God by the size of their bank account, the house they live in, the car they drive, or the clothes they wear. In fact, Scripture repeatedly warns us against looking down on the poor. Paul himself said he knew what it was both to have plenty and to be in need.
Sometimes faith looks like abundance.
And sometimes faith looks like trusting God while there is very little in the cupboard.
So before we laugh at somebody, criticize how they are living, or decide that their circumstances prove Christianity “doesn’t work,” we ought to remember that the Gospel was never a promise that believers would never experience hardship. It was a promise that God would be with us in it.
God does not force anyone to accept the Gospel. We can believe it or reject it. We can obey God or choose not to. But having a choice does not mean there are no consequences for that choice. Scripture reminds us that when this life’s journey is over, all of us will ultimately give an account before God.
So, if talking about me, criticizing me, or laughing at me at least causes you to look toward JESUS, I’m alright with that. I’ll continue to give you something to talk about, criticize, and laugh at. 😊
Because perhaps somewhere in all that talking, questioning, criticizing, or even laughing, you might become curious enough to take a closer look at the One I keep talking about.
As long as it keeps pointing you to JESUS.
Selah
Pause. Reflect. Consider who Jesus is.
Peace & Blessing!