Society is so terrifyingly hostile today, especially with the election so fresh in everyone’s minds. We are sharply divided into “Conservatives” and “Liberals,” each group filled with hate and resentment towards the other. And, in the midst of it all, Christians are cementing a horrible stereotype even deeper into our already lost world: one of judgement, condemnation, and contempt.
When most hear the term, “Christianity,” they immediately associate it with religion, rules, and regulations. They think the Christian faith is based on the belief that if you’re a righteous enough person, you’ll get your ticket into Heaven. If you believe in the right things and advocate for all of the right social causes, you’ll be saved. But, if you trip up along the way, you can forget about those pearly gates and golden streets.
Christians, this widely held misconception is our fault.
The stereotypes are our fault. The fact that so many people totally shut down when the name Jesus is mentioned is completely our fault.
The image that our world sees of Jesus is based fully on what it sees in us. This means that we have a very important job to do, and we’re not doing it well.
Yes, the Bible outlines what is right and what is wrong, and being a Christian should trigger a burning desire within us to follow all of God’s commands. But, this is not the only basis of the Christian faith. It is so. Much. Bigger.
The bottom line, what we are all forgetting, is that God loves completely, fully, and unconditionally. All of the things we’re fighting and insulting each other over, though they are important, and though God has the right answers to every debate, are ripping our society apart.
I’m not saying that having opinions is wrong. I have a lot of opinions, and as a Christian, that often means most of them are against what the world is trying to scream in our faces and shove down our throats. I’m saying that a difference in political views or social opinions does not make anyone less valuable to God. It cannot take away anyone’s salvation. And it never excuses insults, hate, or an air of superiority. Opinions are important, but they do not dictate how much God loves you.
The reality is, God does want us to follow His commands, but He will always forgive when we mess up. He understands our imperfection and only wants us to try our very best to live the life He wants for us. These worldly things all of us are getting into Twitter fights over are insignificant when it comes to salvation, and the hostility is only getting worse.
Salvation is this: a belief in God and a desire to live your life by Him. There are no strings attached, there is no ultimatum, there is no condemnation. Rather, salvation saves from condemnation.
As Christians, we should want the same salvation that changed our lives for everyone around us. If we truly want this, we need to show love in spite of differences.
Don’t silence your beliefs and opinions. Stand strong in them, but explain them with love and understanding. Love without condition. Love when it’s hardest to love. Give the world the right image of Jesus, because it’s all up to us.
