A myth about Christians
There are a lot of stereotypes, misconceptions and falsehoods about every population demographic: age, gender, income status, ethnic makeup, nationality and even religion. When these things are not corrected through education and information, they become myths and are accepted as generalized truths, which perpetuates erroneous thinking towards that particular population segment. Stereotypes have also affected the largest religious group in America: Christians.
The number one misconception about this group is that they are supposed to be
perfect and if any fault is found in them then they are hypocrites whose beliefs should then be disregarded. The underlying rationale is that if their faith was real then either they would be better and, because they didn’t, then their faith didn’t transform them. So much for being “born again”.
This divergence from what should be against the backdrop of a Christian whose life or decisions are in marked contrast is what detractors point to as why they resist or reject Christ. This may sound simplistic but if you’re looking for a person to be a consistent role model and perfect example other than Christ himself, then you have looked at the wrong person.
Let’s get Earthy about this. Most people use the inconsistency and failures of Christians as an excuse to avoid Christ and/or go to church. If Christians are such bad people, please rise to the occasion and show the rest of us how we should live. Christians never claim to be perfect , that’s why we worship Christ to begin with: Because we know we are in need of forgiveness not just for what we have done, or are doing, but for what we are. We are fallen creatures who need the mercy and compassion of a loving God.
Yes, there are those who claim to be Christians who do really terrible things, but what population demographic doesn’t have those people?
That’s not a rational to excuse, but a thinking observation about all of us as humanity. The Bible makes it very clear that Christians can get caught up into things we shouldn’t.
Galatians 6:1 NIV says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”
Susceptibility plagues everyone, even people of faith and goodwill. It typically takes those of maturity, depth and experience to help out those with addictions and sin. With that even those folks are advised to be cautious in dealing with others problems and not get entrapped themselves.
Christians are not immune from fear, doubt, worry, anxiety or depression. For that matter, someone who compromises and indulges in a weak area of their life may find themselves trapped into pornography, drugs, alcoholism, greed, the list could go on. This doesn’t mean they don’t believe the truth about who Christ is and what he is about. As a matter of fact, many of those same individuals may confess their sin repeatedly and try on their own strength to avoid, or quit the behavior and patterns that has a stranglehold on their lives.
Here goes a real deep theological truth that is at variance with mythology of Christianity: A person may be a Christian who leads and lives a lesser “moral” life than others but keeps going back to God for forgiveness because he knows his need and Who can meet that need. If he is sincere and keeps fighting his inner and outer demons, he is not a hypocrite and God will forgive.
Being a Christian isn’t about being perfect and “having it all together”.
Nowhere in the Bible will you find an excuse or rationale for any sin whatsoever. Yet it is replete with truth about repentance, confession and forgiveness.
Living a Christian life is more about falling down and getting back up and, for some, getting a spiritual helping hand.
It’s recognizing that God helps those who admit and want His help.
1 John 1:9 NIV says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
What if we don’t confess?
This article is not about excuses, it’s about understanding.
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