I am a Christian. A practicing Christian. A growing Christian. A loving Christian. A Christian who is often painted with the same brush as all the "Christians" in the world. It is supremely disheartening to be told to tolerate everything else that happens in the world without being allowed to express my views on it before judgement has been passed. And no, not everyone does that. Just as there are those people who will ask questions before deciding that my belief system allows them to put me into a category, I am also one who will ask questions.
I don't think I have all the answers but I won't apologize for my beliefs. (Ask my BFF if you want to talk in worldly labels - she's a "liberal" and I'm a "conservative" yet we are still BFFs). That doesn't mean that I will insist that my beliefs should be yours. I'd love to talk about what I believe with you, but my beating you about the head will do neither of us any good. It will blunt my words and drive you away. I want to be a picture of God in this world and do life in a way that makes others want to also know Him. A realistic picture, as far as my human mind can wrap itself around His ways. I am human and my interpretation of His Word will not always be correct. I'll try to work my way through it with help, with questions and with prayer. But it's not my job to save anyone else. It's my job to express His love and to live in His ways. To love each and every person apart from their actions, beliefs, words and thoughts that I may not agree with. If I try to save someone I am trying to be God. I am not God.
If you're reading this and have something constructive to say, whether it agrees or disagrees then leave me a comment please! If you have questions, leave those too. But please be respectful, the same way that I hope I've been.
Oh Shell, I needed to pour this out.
A nicely worded and meaning post! I agree.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wayne :)
DeleteSometimes I feel like those who have an opposing view to Christianity think it's okay to shout their opinions from the rooftops, but criticize a Christian for even whispering theirs. It's frustrating.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to speak up! Especially when we feel that we're in the minority.
Delete'To love each and every person apart from their actions, beliefs, words and thoughts that I may not agree with.'
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS.
Thanks, Mich. I was trying to get across what I really mean and sometimes that is so hard to do! I appreciate the comment!
DeleteWhat a beautifully worded post! Today has been a hard day - with both sides yelling sound bites at each other and accomplishing nothing. It's so frustrating. Thank you for expressing the frustrations with such a sweet spirit. Visiting from PYHO
ReplyDeleteDawn, I'm glad you stopped by. And thank you for the sweet words! Some days my spirit is nothing like sweet, but I do keep on trying. :)
DeleteI hear you! I actually wanted to blog about something similar today (given the whole Chick Fil A drama).
ReplyDeleteI have friends, close friends, who were surprised by my support for the company and its owner's views. Of course, I love people and would never support discrimination. Yes, I am tolerant...
But, why is tolerant only tolerant when you believe what the other side wants you to believe? Whether I support a particular view or not, I support someone's right to have that view.
Unfortunately, we live in a society where it's not okay to state your views if they are in any way tied to Christianity.
Thanks for (once again) putting words to the thoughts that have been on my mind today!
Melissa, I wonder about the tolerance issue too. I don't have an answer, but I wish that the media would more of the common views and not just the people who loudest from both sides!And the assumptions kill me. Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I'm a mindless automan.
Delete