Christians

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

-Mohandas Gandhi

OUCH! Why would he say such a thing? Christians are such good people. If anything hindus should not be liked. They don’t even believe in Christ for God sakes, they’re all going to hell. That man Ghandi was evil!

- your average Christian.

Hmm…you think that type of opinion is what helps Christian stereotypes continue? Its sad to say that Christianity is probably viewed as one of the worst “Religious systems” in the world, because of it’s followers. Our Christ-less opinions, judgments and hatred are what make this world think so negatively of us. And if you’re a Christian and you’re reading this and you have no idea what I’m talking about then it is time for your rude awakening.

The first Church of Jesus Christ (not referring to “Church of Christ” but the first Church that JC established), or “The Way” as it was called was unlike the church of today.
Acts 2: 44- 47 says,
“And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw.“

Wait; does this accurately describe all of our current churches? I think Today’s Churches are better described through these words:

…But this just isn’t how I imagined it would be,
With these random people just asking the most personal things
And to think that somehow I could always come clean
And you shake your head just like you know what I mean…
… Somehow, someone's more equal than others
depending on the words we choose to say
- Emery
The church has morphed into an institution that dictates our beliefs, demands perfection out of it’s followers, and hurts instead of healing. We tear down our brothers and sisters rather than edifying them. We judge them in hate rather than exhorting them in love. When did we become such horrible judgmental zealots? When did we begin focusing on the sin, instead of the sinner? When did we lose The “Christ” that was in “Christians?” Why do we look to people with hate, judgment and disgust rather than looking at the hurt and the needs of people like Jesus did? When did the church become so ugly?

When I speak of the church I don’t speak of the building because by God, those things are beautiful! I am however speaking of the body of believers that attempts to control our way of thinking rather than showing us who Christ is through their actions and methods.

Christians have taken upon themselves a “Holier than thou” type of mentality that has killed the church for the past few decades, probably longer than that. This attitude includes judgmental attitudes that look for perfection of people, rather that perfection of the God that is perfecting the people. Christians have taken it upon themselves to attempt to make others look Godly on the surface while their hearts are enslaved, hurting and still need more Christ within. Christians worry about themselves more than their fellow followers and therefore forget to be servants and to strengthen their brethren.

My conclusion is this: Ghandi was right, Christians are horrible people. That is why I choose to be less like a Christian and try to be more like Christ. We should all make this choice. You see, Christians will surely fail us but Jesus is real, loving, and compassionate. We need to be like Christ. We need to allow Christ to permeate every inch of our existence from our minds that think horrible thoughts to our hearts which honestly only desire Christ Himself. We need to be kind, compassionate, loving, forgiving, spirit-filled, prepared, non-judgmental, abounding in grace, and willing to serve others until death if necessary. Only when we follow and draw near to him will we become more like him and prove the world wrong when they say, “I do not Like Christians.” We need to put Christ back in Christians, beginning with ourselves.