The Blog

Thoughts and Musings from City of Refuge Church

What are you known for?


In America, what are Christians known for? Being super nice? Outgoing? Considerate? As you already realize, they are viewed as hypocrites, cheesy, goody two shoes, and ignorant. Often their identity is based on what they won’t do, don’t believe, and who they separate from. Yet, they supposedly claim to follow, relate to, and live for the most benevolent Person in the universe.

In a prior post, this verse was listed with several others:

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35

 

It seems there is some confusion here. If a person says with their mouth that they have devoted their whole life to Jesus Christ but their actions consistently say that they are no different than anyone else in the world, something is wrong. Either they truly are not a Christ follower, and they are kidding themselves, they are a wolf in sheep’s clothing, or they are a very new follower of Christ that has much to overcome.

Christ was known for loving others, sacrificing for others, and relating to people that weren’t like Him. They could be of a different ethnicity, socio-economic status, even religious background and He would reach out to them. How is it that so many people who call themselves a mini-me of Him, seem nothing like Him in their treatment of others?

This is not how it is supposed to be. Christ is not happy with the situation. Loving other people is supposed to be the primary factor distinguishing Christ followers from all others. The world is supposed to say “I don’t know about that Jesus Christ guy, but all those people that call themselves Christians go out of their way to help people.” We are not supposed to be hearing that individuals are okay with Jesus Christ but not His people.

Obviously, this verse means more than for Christians to love other Christians. Although, if those within the church have a difficult time getting along with each other, it is not a good reflection of being true to this teaching. If they can’t love each other from within the family, how can they love others not yet in the family? In the verse before (v.34), Jesus Christ provides a new command to love others as He does. Of course, loving others is not new but to do so the way He does is powerfully original. It can only be done with His help and by focusing on His example. He loved His enemies, prayed for His enemies, died for His enemies, and came to serve His enemies.

The world could use that kind of love. Of course, we need to set boundaries with people and not be a doormat. Our response to hatred, betrayal, and malice will reflect whether we take this teaching seriously. Do you want to love like Jesus Christ or just be like everyone else looking after number one? It’s an everyday battle, and it starts with admitting our hearts need to change and our mind needs to center on Christ. What do you want to be known for? Let us know if you want to chat.