When you think of the Church of Christ, what comes to your mind?
Take a second. Think about it.
If you are not a member, many things may cross your thoughts. I’ve heard things like they’re the ones who don’t use instruments in church. Or, they just love to argue all the time. Or, they are some of the most judgmental people I’ve ever met. Or, you might think, those are the people who think I’m going to Hell.
Those are the people who are supposed to love me.
But don’t.
This is tragic. And it’s my fault. And every other Christian’s too.
When I think of the church, the idea of a dysfunctional family comes to mind. We may have our issues, boy there are some issues, but, in the end, the church is a place of love for me. A place where people are accepting of my flaws because they themselves are not perfect. After all, Romans 14:1 says “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” We are literally taught in black and white not to argue over things with each other, but we do it anyway. What does that look like to the non-Christian? I don’t know but it’s not good.
Later in that same chapter, in verse 10, the writer says, “Why do you pass judgement on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God.” In the body of Christ, we are brothers and sisters. A family. That’s one of the amazing things about the church, for all the non-Christians tuning in out there. We are a family. But yet we still can’t seem to show love for each other. The writer talks about people who pass judgements on and despise their family. What would he say if he saw the church today?
Probably the exact same thing.
If we can’t show love to our own family in Christ how are we supposed to show love to people who aren’t in the church?
It’s really hard.
Growing up, I’m not really sure if all my friends knew that I was a member of the Church. They knew I was different but probably not why I was different. I never really brought up church much because I didn’t want all the negative associations that come with the Church of Christ ( see paragraph two regarding negative associations).
I realize now that this was a mistake. How am I supposed to change people’s minds about the church if I’m nervous to even bring it up?
So to all my friends, family, and everyone I’ve come into contact with over the past almost 19 years, I’m sorry I didn’t share that part of me with you. I’m sorry that I never invited you to church or to a teen activity. I’m sorry that I was maybe the one connection you had to Jesus in your life and I let you down.
I hope that you know I love you. And I hope you’ll forgive me.
Now if you’re a Christian reading this and you think “Wow that sounds a lot like me.” What are you waiting for? Now is the time to stop being afraid of negative attitudes and start convincing people of the love of Christ. Show people that you love them. Help people to know the one that loves you and made you. Help them to know that he loves them too.
Signed,
A loving Christian.
