Let me get this straight: just because someone claims to be a “Christian,” doesn’t mean they’re better than anyone else and I think a heck of a lot more people would get along if they could simply understand this.
I always hear people talking about how shocked they are when someone, who calls themselves a Christian, makes a mistake. Like, “wow, can you believe so and so did that?” “I thought they were a Christian.” “How could they do that?”
Look, Christianity isn’t all fun and games. And if I’m going to be real with you, it actually sucks sometimes. There’s expectations to be met and people who either look up to you or just like to pay close attention to every little thing you do, so they can make a big fuss whenever you screw up. It’s definitely a lot of pressure and it can get frustrating, to say the least.
Christians aren’t perfect; we’re actually just like everyone else. We make mistakes, we do things we regret, we get angry/sad, we deal with depression/anxiety, yata yata. The only difference we have from those who don’t have a real relationship with Christ, is that we know about God’s grace and forgiveness and that we don’t have to face this world alone. So in a sense, it’s easier to face each day knowing that God is by our side, but life is still complicated nonetheless.
And you want to know what’s really cool? Even Christ struggled. (Isaiah 53:3~ “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised and we held Him in low esteem.” Hebrews 2:17 ~ “For this reason He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people.”)
In addition, I call myself a Christian and there are days where I’m almost ashamed to admit it; mostly because of the people who ruin it for everyone else. You see, some Christians get religion and relationship confused. They believe that anyone who doesn’t share the same beliefs as themselves, are no good and they would rather make them feel guilty for it, instead of showing them grace and love, just like Jesus called us to. For example: The Westboro Baptist Church. They are the complete opposite of what real Christianity should look like. God doesn’t call us to condemn others for their choices/sexuality/beliefs/etc, but instead we are called to love one another just as Christ loves us. Mark 12:31~ “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Secondly, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than this.” Sometimes it’s the people that go to church every Sunday who are the most judgmental and negative towards others. And I just wish I could apologize to anyone who has ever been turned away or decided not to choose Christ because of those “Christians” that have it all wrong.
But let me say this again, Christians aren’t perfect, so please don’t be surprised when we make a mistake. We may try to hide all the dark and ugly parts about ourselves, but I promise we struggle and make mistakes too. ‘Cause in the end, we’re trying to get through this life just like everyone else.
