Less than 24 hours before I run for 24 hours. I have a lot of nervous energy which is not condusive to getting things done at work. I have to pack tonight....taking lots of cold weather gear. Just got back from Chicago and Columbia doesn't feel nearly as cold anymore. The bitter cold there accompanied with wind gusts makes me thanful for the mild winter that we know here in Columbia.
Been listing to a few new bands (new to me)....Abel, Ascend The Hill, The Sleep Design. There's an awesome website (comeandlive.com/downloads) that has a ton of music available to download for FREE. Full albums and EP's for free. And you are able to preview each band to decided if you like their sound before you download, All of these artists are considered "Christian" artists, but these bands aren't the cheesefest usually associated with the scene. Which brings me to my point for this post.
We are constantly trying to break the negative conatations associated with Christianity and particularly Christianity in the south. People consider Christians either hypocrites or crazy people that put their hands up and close their eyes while listening to Michael W. Smith. The sad thing is that so many people wouldn't consider going to church because of the "christians" that they may know. As a people, we have destroyed the reputation of Christianity.
The hate comes from hypocrites and judgemental "christians." All I hear about Tebow is that no one is perfect as he appears to be. He must be hiding his flaws really well. While I know he isn't perfect, he isn't doing anything special in my opinion. He's a solid character and his beliefs drive his life. I know lots of people that live like Tebow - it's really not uncommon. The trouble is the image of "christians" posing as Tebow only to live a double life full of sin. He's under the microscope and I give him props for not keeping his love for Christ hidden. If Tebow did all of the stuff without repping Christ, his work/service would be in vain.
If all Christians were living as Jesus intended, I believe the hate for us would disappear. Honestly, how could you hate someone that is always willing to serve. How could you hate someone willing to put you first? How can you hate someone that loves all people, someone that lacks prejudice and doesn't judge. How could you hate someone that still falls short and admits their sins and mistakes, but always strives to do the right thing? I'm sure it's possible to still hate, but I don't know anyone that wouldn't want to be friends with honest Christians. You may not think so, but that's probably because you don't know anyone that doesnt fall into the hypocrite category.
The negative stereotypes will always exist and will continue to drive the wedge between Christians and the rest of the world. All that we can do is live as righteously as we are told. It's up to us to shatter the stereotypes. It is possible to be happy and live a Godly life, for the Holy Spirit allows Christians to desire unselfish things. We run into problems with people just wanting approval for being a Christian even though their life doesn't reflect it. These people would rather argue and insult non-believers than love them and actually care for them.
We can't reject Christianity because of "christians." We have to accept it because of Christ.
"Now that I am a Christian I do not have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable." CS Lewis
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