"I am a Christian"

"In the same way, heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!" -Luke 15:7


 Our world today hears the word Christian and assumes that means that the Christian must think that he/she is better than others or that they must have the "holier than thou" attitude. Why does our world see Christians in this way? In my option there are two main reasons.


1. Because the world doesn't understand why a person would choose to behave in a different way than it tells us to. Christians are called to go against the grain of where the world is heading, and so we are labeled as being a "goodie goodie" or "holier than thou" or even as "being better" than everyone else when we choose not to follow our sinful nature and instead choose to follow Christ.
Romans 12:2 says "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is".


2. Most of the time Christians can be our own worst enemy. When we as Christians don't follow Christ completely. When we haven't built a strong relationship with Jesus we can loose sight of the true meaning of being a Christian. To live a life that mirrors Jesus Christ completely. The purpose of being a Christian is to live as Christ lived. When we refuse to live as He lived, then we loose sight and temptation creeps in. We end up living as though we are better than the "sinner" standing next to us. We loose sight of our own sins. We refuse to keep ourselves in check and we start to live the way the world wants us to, only we think that we aren't because Satan has "pulled the wool" over our own eyes. If we aren't careful Satan can turn what God intended to use to advance His kingdom to destroy us.
Due to the sinful nature of all people (Yes including Christians) We all struggle with our daily desires and wants. Christians are not immune to the temptations that everyone faces. Jesus calls us to be humble and full of compassion for non-Christian because the only difference between Christians and Non-believers is that Christians are forgiven by God. Titus 2:14 says "He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing what is right."  In fact Luke 15:7 (top of page) tells us that heaven will be happier over one sinner who returns to God than over a Christian who has never strayed.


The following I found on a social media site. I thought I would share it as it is a good example of the attitude All Christians should have and hopefully how the world will start to see us... 


"I am a Christian
When I say that "I am a Christian," I am not shouting that "I am clean living." I'm whispering "I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say "I am a Christian," I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say "I am a Christian." I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, Somehow!
(-Unknown)


Father, thank you so very much for offering your grace to everyone. Thank you for sending your one and only son to take the punishment that all humans deserve for sinning against you. Father I pray that you will change the lives of anyone and everyone who reads this. Use this to lead those who don't know you to you and change the hearts of those who do know you to mirror your life on earth. To have compassion for non-believers. To be able to say that I am a Christian because of your mercy and grace, and with out pride or boasting. Humble our hearts Father and help us to remember our place in you. Open our eyes to our own sins so that we can repent and follow you.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen