It isn't hard to see that our society is struggling; that there is so much hatred in the world. Some of that hatred is coming from those who should be loving their enemies: Christians. Religion seems like the last thing this world needs; we are all free to believe in what we want, and to live how we want so why would we want to give all that up? But religion like Christianity is supposed to give us something to live for, and to help make the world a better place. The hope of this article is to get across that not all Christians are bad; to show the true meaning of it all.
There are quite a handful of "Christians" who have twisted their sanctification to fit their own agendas--- once they've become saved, they're free to live in sin without guilt or fear. They frown on those who are sinning in different ways than their own, even others who have been saved. These "Christians" feel that because they've checked the "SAVED" and "CHURCH" boxes off their checklists, that they're free to judge others. This isn't how Jesus wanted us to follow him. He didn't die for us only for us to continue to live in sin. He didn't tell us to judge our neighbors--- in fact he told us quite the opposite. (Matthew 7:1-2) Those who choose to follow Christ aren't meant to be perfect. Once saved, they aren't going to automatically or instantly live Christ-like lives--- it's a process.
The process is intended for followers to grow closer to the Lord, and away from their sinful nature; to learn how to love, even their enemies (Luke 6:35); to become the people that they were designed and intended to be. (Psalm 139:13-14) Followers have found life to be better when they have someone to give them a purpose. It doesn't make life easier, in fact it seems more challenging (Matthew 24:9), but it is worth it all. Being willing to lay down all your burdens, pain, confusion, hatred--- all your sins--- at the feet of Jesus (Psalm 55:22); to give you heart to live for Him, to become more like Him is what Christianity is about. (John 2:6)
That may be confusing: Why would someone give up their lives for someone who died thousands of years ago? Because His teachings are relevant to today, and He died for everybody's sins--- sins He never committed, but willing to give up His life for. (1 Peter 3:18) This was the greatest example of love. This is how Christians are meant to live: willing to serve others, expecting nothing in return; loving one another despite sin or flaw.
Life is confusing for all. We are all trying to figure it out, and what our purpose is. Believing in "a man who lives in the sky" seems silly, but it definitely changes one's perspective on life. The closer you become to Him, the more He shows you the things of your heart. He teaches you how to love and He showers you in His grace and mercy. He knows that we are all not perfect, but those who are trying and fear Him, He sees. It is all a process, and it is all worth it. He forgives, and therefore, we all can forgive. He changes hearts--- this is Christianity. It is about love, and God is love.
