Stepping Stones: When I say I am a Christian…

Transformational Tip

Yesterday I heard yet again some condescending comments from a non-believer about Christianity. He said that being a Christian was the easy way out; that it was a life that accepted no responsibility and that carried a “cant-lose” mentality. He was right about the cant lose…but for the wrong reasoning.

He said that when things go right for us Christians we say “see, it’s working.” And that when things go wrong we say “…the will of God” and we accept no responsibility.

I gave him my perspective. I told him that when I say that "I am a Christian.”
• I'm not saying, “I’m holier than thou…” I'm saying, “I am a simple sinner who received God's grace.”
• I am not shouting that “I am clean living…” I'm whispering, "I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven."
• I don't speak with pride…I'm confessing that I stumble daily along my path and need Christ as my lighthouse.
• I'm not trying to be strong…I'm admitting that I'm weak and need His strength.
• I'm not bragging of success…I'm admitting on my own I have failed, but through Him, I can experience temporal and eternal victory.
• I'm not claiming to be perfect…my flaws are many and run deep, but I am claiming that God always loves and advocates for me.
• I’m not saying I am pain free; I still feel the sting of pain - I have my share of heartaches, but now I call on His name and He does comfort me.

Today, be mindful of the perceptions you give others about your Christianity. Help others understand the true meaning of being a Christian. Are you exhibiting the behavior and living the life taught us by Christ? They are watching. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective what we Christians communicate to the world about Christianity.

Prayer
Dear Father God, Help me increasingly live a Christ-like life. Let me not be boastful or try and appear holier than my neighbor. Let my life be an example of Your transformational power. Help me, Father, live my life in humble confidence in You. I pray this in the name of the One you sent to teach me how to live, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
Luke 7:22-23