A question for Christians

[TexasSky]

Today I happened to wander into a discussion that should be a real wake-up to Christians.
It was, "Why is it that Christians care so little, but talk so much about love?"

Before I could even process that question in my mind, someone else in that group said, "Yeah. If they practiced what they preached it would be different, but they're the biggest snobs, the rudest, meanest people I know."

At that point, I stepped into the conversation.

I know my answer - but what is yours?
How would you answer the question?

 

[RTG]

Not all Christians are beleivers.

 

[NateT]

I think I'd say 1) the people who are most caring won't normally get a lot of attention, therefore, there are a lot of Christians that are doing real caring for people, they're just not in the spotlight. 2) I'd probably point to the name calling going on as not being loving either.

 

[TexasSky]

Nate,

Ah, but non-Christians don't profess to represent a God who IS love, ergo, they are not being hyporcitical when they finger point.

As to the people who are caring not getting attention. I agree. I've campaigned for years that Christians need to be sure that the good works they do are done in the name of Christ. Otherwise people will NOT credit Christ. So if you live a larger tip because the waitress looks like she's had a really, really bad day, write John 3:16 on your napkin. f

 

[Rachel]

I have to say I agree with them. Maybe it's because Christian's try to be the Holy Spirit and don't let the Spirit lead them in many cases. We can be pretty selfish too. We all need to practice what we preach more. And like someone said, not all people who call themselves Christian's really are.
But I've also heard unbeliever's say that when we say Jesus is the only way to Heaven, the Bible is the only book by God, there is a hell, etc.

I wonder what that person was talking about though, did they give an example?

 

[TexasSky]

Rachel,

Yes, they did give examples, but I prefer not to share them just yet. I think that given "specifics" people will get off into those "specifics". I will say this wasn't about embracing activities that are considered immoral or sinful.

 

[NomadsWife]

Maybe some of us are disobedient Christians who aren't doing what we should and they just don't realize it. I've been having a rough time lately and I've been reading Charles G. Finney's autobiography and now am starting on his Lectures on Revival. As I read it, I felt God speaking to me. Then last night, I couldn't sleep but instead spent some time in the Scriptures and talking to God. And God convicted me of not being more loving as a Christian. He opened my eyes to many ways I've been disobedient to Him.

Anyway, this is another answer to the question. We have become hard of hearing and hard hearted and stiff necked and can't hear God anymore, much less represent Him as we should in our lives. I'm including myself in this.

 

[Gold Dragon]

I would tell them they were right and I'm a Christian too with a smile to make sure they knew I wasn't being defensive. Then see where the conversation goes from there.

 

[Helen]

I have run into this before and all I can do is apologize for those who take the name of Christ, evidently in vain, and 'crucify Him all over again.'

Personally, I try to live a life which follows the Holy Spirit and therefore is a life of deep caring wherever the Holy Spirit points us. We give what we can, when we can, financially, in time, and in energy.

And you know something? It's a fun way to live! It can hurt sometimes, and you can get betrayed. But we have an incredible Example to follow and He is right there with us all the way. So, in the long run, 'fun' is not a bad word to describe living this way.

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by TexasSky:
"Why is it that Christians care so little, but talk so much about love?"

Because we have too many believers who are hearers of the Word only, and not doers. Way too many.

 

[gb93433]

Originally posted by RTG:
Not all Christians are beleivers.

That is like saying all cubes with four wheels are cars. All Christians are believers. Not all who call themselves Christians are true Christians. Read the book of James and see the difference. Also read Mt. 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'

If you read your Bible and find out when a group of people were first called Christians it was the followers of Jesus Christ who were called Christians.

 

[TexasSky]

Dr. Smith used to say, "Christians need to understand, in God's eyes, it is just as wrong to "not do the dos" Christ gave us, as it is to "do the don'ts," God gave to Moses."

 

[RightFromWrong]

I think the problem boils down to Christians not being filled with the Holy Spirit. Too many " Christians " are like the Corinthians walking in the flesh. In the flesh we will act just like the world, but if we walk by the Spririt than the LOVE that is different will be GODS LOVE ~ Agape Love ~ Unconditional Love..... It is ONLY Gods love that is shown through us that will matter. And that is done through a close walk with him through prayer, dying daily to self, seeking his will not our own et.

It still doesn't change the fact that people are responsible for what THEY do with the Gospel and what Christ did for them on the cross. If someone tries to devert attention away from accepting Christ by saying "well I know Christians who Blah blah blah". That is what I tell them. And who's to say you will act any different. Christians arn't perfect just forgiven. I also agree not everyone who says they are Christians are.

Not mention there are alot of Christians with more " Head Knowledge ' than Heart Knowledge.
Problem with legalism

 

[SAMPLEWOW]

right on RightFromWrong!!!

see we can and do agree.

 

[buckster75]

because the "old man" is still given his place to reighn. and too many do not put on the armor of God.

 

[RTG]

Right on gb,the word has been hijacked.I think sometimes the unsaved can use these things as excuses to justify themselves,of course not always.

 

[RightFromWrong]

Hi Samplewow

I agree with alot of things you say, you have a good heart too that I can tell.

buckster75 Very good point about the armor of God aint that the truth

 

[Bunyon]

Take any group of people, none can hold a candle to christians when it comes to the good that has been done in this world. Period! in spite of the negatives we judges like to harp on.

 

[gb93433]

Some of the nicest people I have met are Christians and some of the meanest people I have met are in churches.

 

[bapmom]

speaking of just the OP, Ive had to answer this question a couple times, and have usually said that while Christians are forgiven, they aren't perfect. It CAN be a good stepping off point for pointing out that none of us are perfect, and isn't it wonderful that Jesus died for imperfect people?