Friday 25 January 2019

Look at a Christian in the mirror


I have to be careful with what I say here in case I offend anyone. But then ... we are in a day and age where everyone seems to have a right to be offended about something or other. Taking offence seems to be the latest fad, or profession for some. It's become so fashionable that if you are not offended about something, this in itself will cause offence to someone who will see you as callous and uncaring; and unable to take offence at what is seemingly so obviously wrong yet you have not got the gumption to notice it and take offence at it.

Phew ... pause for long breath.

OK ... so let me get to the point of what may well offend God. Now that's important, so let us all pay attention.

When you look around you in church, or prayer meetings, or other Christian gatherings that many churches have, do you see happy faces, full of joy, and hope and ... I don't know ... happiness ... joy ... and other good things?

Or do you see miserable faces, like they have a permanent bad smell under their nose, as if they have a dead fish tucked in their underpants?

My experience is the latter. People I meet in church or other church groups, appear to be "religious" of sorts, but their demeanour and overall outlook is one of despondency, gloom and the futility of life in general. Where's the joy at the Good News - I ask myself.

Maybe, let's face it, we Catholics are a boring lot and have nothing to cheer about except how much is in the collection plate on Sunday.

Maybe people are too preoccupied with their lot in life and as such they see Christianity as a big Cross they have to bear and carry. They let the weight of their Cross crush them down; rather than  use it to climb up to Heaven to Christ’s welcoming arms.

Some even "Praise God" and look forwards to meeting Him. This means they wish they were dead. I am sure that is not what God intended when He created us - to wish that we would soon die! He created us to enjoy this life, to help one another; not to endure it and wish it is soon over!

Whatever their reasons for looking miserable, the people in my church should realise that this attitude reflects on those they know and meet. They are a role model for someone else. 

Whether you are a parent, offspring, sibling, teacher, doctor, carpenter or whatever else you are in life; you are a role model for someone else. Someone somewhere is watching you and would either copy your behaviour, or avoid totally being like you.

So ... what do Christians portray and represent to other people? A Faith that one would want to learn more about, and perhaps join? Or something to be avoided?

Christians are a bad advert for Christianity ... (sometimes).

18 comments:

  1. Well said! Joy is a fruit of the spirit. Where is your joy? And then we attack each other over points of theology. We shoot our wounded and attack our fallen rather than rallying around to support and uphold. We can be a sad lot, BUT God is bigger; God is stronger; God is victorious!
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    1. The ones round my church seem such a joyless lot! Maybe it is because the pews are too hard for their bottoms.

      God bless you, Lulu.

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  2. We really do need to take stock of our demeanor as Christians. Do we radiate the joy we have in Jesus, or do we appear to be unhappy and dissatisfied? The latter is absolutely unacceptable! I choose to live with the joy God gives us and share it as much as I can with others!
    Blessings, Victor!

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    1. The Christian people I know are so miserable it is unbelievable. I know we cannot all be happy at all times, Martha, but I see them Sunday after Sunday, sitting in the same place, and during the sermon, (which I admit is often too long), they just sit there reading the church newsletter, or looking blankly into space.

      I admit, our sermons are somewhat too long. The other day I sat behind a young newly-married couple in the pew in front, (we know them well). By the time the sermon ended they were playing with their grand-children.

      God bless you, Martha.

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  3. You said it all and very well, too, Victor.
    I think it is a sign of the times that we are in. There is a lot of hatred going on around the world.
    God never meant for us not to have hardships. It is a part of life.
    We must fight these demons that drag us down and the only way that this can be done is with prayer and God's intervention.

    I know that if I had turned away from God that I would be in trouble right now. Thankfully there is a place to worship with others. All prayers will be answered at some point...but when we gather together we are stronger. Praying alone is fine, too. Just Pray.

    Blessings Victor

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    1. It is so nice to see you here again, Jan. Welcome back. I hope and pray you and yours are well.

      Yes, you are right, we should pray, pray and pray some more. As I am doing for you and your family right now.

      God bless you always.

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  4. You brought up some very good points. I find some people who call themseves Christians, so far removed from what it takes to be a real Christian. They are very hateful and mean people who if Christ came into their world, once again they would get pleasure persecuting him. I have some Christian friends in the US who realize that "those kind of Christians" give the real ones a bad name. My friends now say they are followers of Christ. These are older people in their 80s and they are super nice people to know. Ken is a retired doctor who volunteers for Doctors Without Borders. If you have a prayer request, he carries a small notebook and writes the request in it so he doesn't forget. He and his wife are living the true meaning of what a Christian life should be and is. I met Ken and his wife at a Quaker church in Southern Oregon about 14 years ago. We developed a program for hospice residents which dealt with end of life issues and wrote some questions and recorded their responses. Ken also was the Director of the Hospice center in this town. A truly lovely human being.

    Enjoy your evening and have a wonderful weekend, my friend.

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    1. Thank you so much Bill for sharing your experience and story with us. What a lovely story and how true what you say. Some Christians do give Christianity a bad name and are indeed a terrible example for others to emulate.

      I am sure that Christ must weep at the way some have misquoted Him for their own ends and benefit. How some people are just like the Pharisees and Sadducees of His time on earth.

      Thank you again, Bill. I wish you well.

      God bless you always.

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  5. These folks' demeanor reminds me of something a classmate scribbled on his Sunday program: "Piety, piety, piety." I wonder if some of these parishioners even realize the impression they're making on others.

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    1. That's the sad thing, Mevely. They don't realise the impression they make on others. Some are just self-satisfied that they serve on several church groups and committees so they are holier than thou.

      God bless you, Mevely.

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  6. The first time Ken and I walked into the church we go to now we felt right away that it was like coming home. One reason was that everyone was happy and friendly and actually liked being at church. We are so blessed that God lead us here.

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    1. Indeed Happyone. Some churches do have a welcoming and "real Christian" congregation. You are indeed very lucky and blessed.

      God bless you both.

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