“God made him who had no sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
It bothers me when an open, vocal and devout Christian makes a mistake and society quickly calls them a hypocrite, then dismisses their faith as phony. Just as worse, fellow Christians are as quick, if not quicker to condemn a person of faith who makes a mistake. Truthfully, in my experience, they’re probably the most egregious with their “holier than thou” judgement of the offender.
I was always taught that Christianity isn’t about being perfect, but following and serving the one who is. We are often going to fall short of God’s glory because we are human.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-25
I’m a proud Christian, yet I can admit that I’m not a virgin and I’m not married. So that means I’ve had premarital sex. I’ve enjoyed my share of cranberry and vodkas, Jack and Cokes, 151 and other alcoholic beverages to the point I’ve been extremely drunk. I still struggle with keeping from blurting a curse/foul word when I’m upset. I’ve watched a movie and listened to a song I probably shouldn’t have, then recited a line of dialogue or lyrics from it. There have been periods of my life where I didn’t pay my tithes because I wanted to keep that ten percent for my own selfish desires. I’ve not immediately forgiven someone who has done me wrong; in some cases I still haven’t. None of these mistakes mean I’m not a Christian, or that I’m a hypocrite because I’ve sinned or a bad person. Again, it means I’m human.
The difference between a Christian or non Christians is or SHOULD be, learning from mistakes and not repeating them over and over and over again.
“Do what Gods teaching says, when you only listen and do nothing, you’re only fooling yourself.” James 1:22
The key is to learn daily how to be a better follower of Christ as you continue to improve your relationship with Him. As you take steps to grow that relationship, you will move away from your faults and closer to righteousness until the day of your final breath.
On another note; if you really think about it, Christians are always the ones who are faced with extreme temptation that puts us in positions sometimes where we do make mistakes. Here’s another way to think of it when it comes to why Christian often falter.
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.” John 10:10a
The evil one doesn’t need to attack non believers or believers who have put their faith on the back burner. He already has them right where he wants them, headed towards an eternity in hell. He wants to hook those who are headed towards an eternity in heaven. When I was consistently doing the things I mentioned earlier, I thought my life was good, because in the eyes of the World, everything seemed to be going my way. But, in the summer of 2008 when I began to make a concerted effort to reconnect with my faith—thanks Melinda Woolbright—my life in the World’s eye became difficult. But, in reality my life was better because I was back on the narrow path. The enemy has tried to throw every obstacle in my way now because he’s angered I’m no longer self destructing to his tricks on the path headed for an eternity in hell.
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Galatians 1:3-5
And that is why as a Christian, we (I) are saying that we NEEDED Jesus to come to the world to die for our sins and be our savior, because there is NO WAY we could paid the price for our sins. I know there’s no way I could be nailed to the cross for all the wrong I’ve done.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16
I write and share these thoughts in hopes that when an openly devout Christian makes a mistake, fellow Christians and non Christians will stop revving up the bus and rolling over them, making them feel as if all hope is lost by condemning them. I wish instead of criticism we’d lend a helping hand, share scripture and prayer with the person to overcome the stronghold that has temporarily, caused them to fall. That’s what Christianity is about. “Carry each other’s burdens, in this way we will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Kavis Peak 