However, that's not the point at all. Part of the point is to say that all too often we Christians behave badly. We don't always reflect the grace of Jesus in the way that we speak, act, or treat others. In fact, many times Christians act the exact opposite of how Jesus would act, turning people off to any consideration of Jesus and the reckless love he offers.
In one of my sermons I told the story of my kids and the challenges they faced growing up as PK's (preacher's kids). Sometimes they would hear their friends' parents ripping on me or on the church I served. And it not only hurt them deeply, it called into question the whole Christian experience.
I kept telling them that Christians are imperfect people and that they should look at Jesus and make their decisions based on him, not on the actions of some mean-spirited Christians. Their response: It's not that easy because Christians keep getting in the way.
I've heard this many times: If it weren't for Christians I might give Jesus a look.
Ouch!
We need to hear that as Christians. We need to be mindful that how we live and interact with others is a reflection, at least to others, of who Jesus is, or of how seriously we take Jesus, or of how transformational grace is. (Not to mention the impact we have on our kids and grandkids!)
But that's a lot of pressure. That makes grace our responsibility. And that can lead us into a behavior-oriented Christianity that leads to perfectionism, legalism, and a loss of true freedom.
So what is a Real Christian? We'll spend a few more weekends in worship looking at that question and will continue to wrestle with it in these blog posts for a time...because it is one of the most important questions of our day as Christianity seemingly declines and those rejecting the church grows.
But let's start here...and build here:
A real Christian is a sinner who has been claimed by Jesus; an imperfect person in whom Jesus chooses to live by his grace; a lost son or daughter to whom Jesus has run, throwing the robe of unconditional love over his/her shoulders, putting the ring of sonship or daughterhood onto his/her finger, and putting the shoes of forgiveness onto his/her feet.
A real Christian is the object of God's favor, kindness, and mercy.
You are a real Christian. You have been claimed by Jesus. You belong to him through his death and resurrection.
So live like you're loved. Live like you're graced. Because you are! That's the starting point for living a life of dangerously good faith.
More to come.
