That statement from a conversation I had last month has haunted me. It is the kind of statement that just sticks with you and pops up when least expected. There are many aspects of that statement that get me.
First, I’m a struggling Christian. Honestly, most Christians are struggling even if they are not willing to admit it. Contrary to what many think being a Christian does not magically erase all struggle from our lives. It is a process or journey in which one’s faith grows.
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
The other thing that bothers me about the conversation was the implication that somehow I’m a “good Christian”. I not good just forgiven
18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18 (ESV)
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Philippians 3:12-14 (New International Version)
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Philippians 3:12-14 (New International Version)
Pressing on Toward the Goal
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
It is the judgmental attitude of organized religion which has made those of use who have always been “condemned” by those “Good Christians” apologetic… or actually, some of us have just decided to live our lives and express our faith in our own way, rather than succumbing to the constraints and the judgementalism of “organized” religion. Burned too many times, I guess you could say. Not saying I don’t have faith. I do… tremendous faith. But it is faith in God.. not in those who profess to be superior because they are “good” Christians. Those are the very people who are killing Christianity.
Not So,
I don’t even like the term “good Christian”. All Christians sinners saved by grace anything good in our lives is from God. Also, it implies that somehow we can earn status with God by outward actions.
These people aren’t killing Christianity. They are killing the organized church as we know it. We are losing an entire generation unless the church gets it and decides to change our method of operation.
I like this post and what it says about you that the phrase bothered you.
🙂
–Cathy
Thanks