When I say... "I am a Christian"

So, this is in response to a blog I read just yesterday. She was explaining how much she hates the word "Christian". It turns her off because of the negative experiences she has had with so called Christians. She believes in God and knows God is love and so she has decided to try to live her life under the influence of love. However, she has been let down by so many people who call themselves Christians, that she doesn't want anything to do with church and Christianity. It raises the question... What is Christianity and what does it mean to be a Christian. I consider myself a Christian but I certainly don't want someone to be turned off when I say that I am one. I don't have all the answers, so I am going to give my opinion on the matter.

It sickens me that the same people who say they are trying to bring others to Jesus are the same ones who push them away. When I was young I was involved in very legalistic churches. They were primarily southern baptist churches. I was taught that all things fun were awful. No drinking, dancing, partying, etc. The only time sex was discussed was to explain how bad it was. There was no questioning God, and every sermon was about fire and brimstone being cast down upon us for all the wrong we do. I had this vision of God standing above the earth, holding a lightning bolt, just waiting for me to screw up so he could pitch it in my direction. I was terrified! By the time I was 16 I didn't want anything to do with God or the church. Much like my fellow blogger, I felt God was better than what I was taught.

It wasn't until a little over four years ago (I am almost 30 now) that I started to discover who God is. The people around me were the ones dictating what I was believing in God. I have realized, though, that people should not be the example I follow. 2000 years ago a man named Jesus walked the earth and, because Jesus and God are the same guy, he showed us how to live. He didn't give us any of the ridiculous rules I mentioned earlier. He actually spent time with friends and showed people how to make the most out of life. So, were did all these rules come from? No drinking... I'm pretty sure Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:9). He did say that we aren't supposed to drink to get drunk (Ephesians 5:18), but drinking in a social setting is not forbidden. No dancing/partying... King David (a man after God's heart) was recorded partying more than once (1 Samuel 18:6, 2 Samuel 6:16). There are even songs written about it (Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:4). God even talks about sex as a great thing (Song of Solomon 4:11-15) and something we need (1 Corinthians 7:5-6). Jesus taught over and over to love your brother, neighbor, and even your enemy. He taught us to forgive, even when forgiving seems impossible. Besides, He forgave us when we did nothing to deserve forgiveness. He taught us to not judge. That is, unless you can look at yourself and find nothing wrong. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly not perfect. However, I no longer think of God waiting for me to make a mistake so He can punish me for it. My sins had already been paid for when Jesus sacrificed himself for me.

Now, I wouldn't have learned all of this unless I had some guidance. I am fortunate to have found a wonderful church with a wonderful pastor who has helped me with this journey. And, although I consider myself a Christian, I don't think of myself higher than anyone else. If anything, it is me recognizing that, without God, I am nothing. So, I'm sorry, fellow blogger, that you have been given such a bad impression about Christians. I promise we aren't all the way you have been lead to believe.

In closing, I am going to share a poem by Maya Angelou that says it perfectly...

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean living"
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success..
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say.... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!