Why is that?
I viewed a clip from the son of a televangelist who said bluntly, "You can't be a Democrat and be a Christian, let me tell you why..."
This is the problem today. Christians have been hijacked by politics. It has gotten quite ugly and skewed. Being a Christian has nothing to do with being a Democrat or a Republican.
Sadly, I see it now when the word "Christian" is mentioned, people roll their eyes and are immediately skeptical.
So, let's get back to the basics here. What is the definition of Christian?
A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, believing He is the Son of God and the Messiah, centered on His life, teachings, crucifixion and resurrection, with main teachings centered on love for God and neighbor, repentance from sin and a commitment to spiritual transformation through faith in Christ.
The term "Christian" was first used in the city of Antioch in the first century around 40 A.D. as recorded in the Book of Acts (Acts 11:26) where disciples of Jesus were first called by this name by non-Jewish inhabitants to identify them as followers of Christ.
So why has Christian become a public relations problem?
The main thing Christians are doing wrong is they are trying to use Christian to create earthly kingdoms in the forms of churches and political agendas. We are still trying to legislate Christianity into our country and the world. Let me tell you that Christianity is never going to be in charge of this world until the return of Christ. We have lost sight of the main thing by promoting our own agendas.
It is sad to see how the reputation of Christian has been tarnished. Christianity has been weaponized for hate, division and judgment. Unfortunately, I don't see it ever changing back. I think we are too far gone down the road where Satan has rendered Christians powerless and makes the work of people who are true examples of Christians much more difficult.
I get it. I grew up in the church and Christianity. I have seen the good, bad and ugly about it, yet I still remain. Am I perfect? No. Do I try to force my beliefs on others? Never. I never quote scriptures at people, and I refrain from judging on issues that I don't agree with. I have had every reason to walk away. Yes, I am a Christian because I believe in Jesus Christ.
My Christian experience has evolved over the years of my life. It went from a Church-centered relationship where the church told me what to do to a personal relationship with Christ. Some of my earlier writings and posts were judgmental and extreme but now I have come to know to focus on my own relationship with God.
We need to be more authentic and transparent to others. We need to focus on genuine connections with others and service to people as individuals not just as potential converts. We should emphasize on love, service and community rather than trying to appear better than others.
When I say "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin"
I'm whispering "I was lost - now I'm found and forgiven
When I say "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong; I am professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
