Interpretation
10July 21, 2012 by Cole Ryan
A hypocritical Christian is the biggest threat to Christianity, a person who calls themself a Christian yet doesn’t act like Christ. We are all guilty of this, because none of us will ever be able to be Jesus..
“It is not scientific doubt, not atheism, not pantheism, not agnosticism, that in our day and in this land is likely to quench the light of the gospel. It is a proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious, church-going, hollow-hearted prosperity.” Frederic D. Huntington
Sometimes I wish Christianity would be defined by Christ, and not by Christians. The perception or interpretation of Christianity is formed by how Christians act, and not by who Jesus was and is. As Christians we dictate the way people see Jesus because we call ourselves Christians. However, it doesn’t have to be that way..
“Isn’t it interesting that in Acts 11, at the end of verse 26, it says, ‘The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.’ What I find interesting is the simple thought that the Christians didn’t name themselves. But rather, they were called (or named) ‘Christians’ by those watching their lives. I wonder if it would be the same today. Could someone look at your life or look at my life and name me a Christian? A humbling thought for sure.” Chris Tomlin
Hm.. the world used to see someone and think “that guy reminds me of Jesus, he acts a lot like Him, let’s call him a Christian.”
Christians used to be perceived by the way they acted in accordance to the way Christ acted. Today, Christ is perceived by the way Christians act because we have taken the liberty to call ourselves Christians. Atheists aren’t the biggest threat to Jesus’ reputation, hypocritical Christians are. May we start acting like Christ and wait for the world to call us Christians, rather than calling ourselves Christians but acting nothing like Christ.
You make a good point, in my humble opinion the problem is that many don’t know the complete character of Christ. Or they only focus on a small portion of His character. Mainly the submissive quiet, and non confrontational part that is preached repeatedly in the church today.
However, there is another side to Him that balances Him out. He was protective,strong,and tenacious as well. If we (especially men) could get a hold of that, our lives, marriages, and other relationships would be healthier. Christianity would also be more attractive to men that stay home when their wives and children go to church. Just my 2 cents.
I love it! I’ve read this scripture my whole life and never thought about it being others who named Christians. May our lives reflect Christ so much that others call us Christians rather than we ourselves.
I’m wanting to quote this, but having a hard time winnowing it down to just the best parts. (A sign of good writing!)
Quoted here: http://quotecloset.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/we-have-met-the-enemy/
You raise some great points. I liked how you summed everything up in your last sentence.
I love it! I have always thought the same thing. The name “Christian” today does not represent those who truly follow Christ. The name “Christian” becomes true when we are persecuted for standing on the truths of Christ. Excellent thought process!
I think I may have found my new favorite blogger. I believe this same thought can and is the problem in a lot of “Christians” now-a-days. People tend to get the attitude, “Look at me, I’m a Christian” and that is disgusting. Thanks for posting.
I love your observation that the first Christians didn’t name themselves. Very astute.
Thank God we don’t have to be the Judge. Our job is not to decide who is real and who is hypocritical. Our job as fallible human beings is to be as Christ-like as we can – and avoid labeling ourselves or others. Try as we may – we’ll never be perfect, so someone can always see hypocrisy if that’s what they’re looking for. I don’t always “do as I say.” But I try.
Hey, this post made me think and spurred me to write this: http://shelbydremely.wordpress.com post. I’d love to hear your thoughts.