Earlier this year I was challenged to think about the way in which those who don’t profess Christianity view Christians. I actually vaguely started thinking about it (“started thinking about thinking about it” might be more accurate) back when I bought a book by David Kinneman (President of the BarnaGroup) and Gabe Lyons (founder of the Fermi Project). The book, based on research from the BarnaGroup, discusses what the negative perceptions of young people are concerning Christianity, and what can be done to change that. For starters, just taking a glance at the table contents should raise a red flag or two: hypocritical, sheltered, anti-homosexual, too political and judgmental are just some of the chapter titles.
I really started thinking about this a few months ago when I was attending CBLI (Central Leadership and Bible Institute). Our theme for the week was Fruit Of The Spirit (from Galatians 5:22-23). Our guests commented during their first talk about how sad it is that Christians are at times not known for displaying the fruit of the Spirit. It’s more than sad. This means there is a massive disconnect between what people see in the Jesus they worship and the lives they live. Whenever those two are at odds, something is terribly wrong.
We have to ensure that we are constantly working toward reflecting the spirit, fruit, likeness-whatever you want to call it-of Christ to the world. It’s an issue of the personal soul. It’s your issue. It’s my issue. Below is a little prayer exercise. Knowing that God is love (1 John 4:7-21), read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. You’re going to read it twice. The first time you read it, just read it as written, reflecting on the nature and standard of Biblical love. The second time you read it, replace the word “love” (or “it” when it refers to love) with “God”. After you read it the second time through, ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify areas in which you need to grow. Ask Him to help you understand what steps you can take to do that.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
(photo courtesy of Thomas R. Stegelmann)