Truth Hurts

As I was blog stalking catching up on my Google Reader this morning I came across a post that really made me stop. One comment in particular kept coming to mind as I read. It reminded me of the mistakes we make as Christians and trying to walk out or faith in our daily lives.

The quote came from a blog that I hadn't seen before, but found as a result of my incessant Blog Roll stalking. (See, stalking pays off!) It said,

"If Christianity has taught me one thing, it’s to be a good liar."

The author talked about things that hit close to home for me. I know people that have attended the school she talks about in her post. I know people that live lives that closely resemble what she describes. I know people that have walked away from Christianity because they viewed it as something prohibitive, judgmental, and hypocritical. I can relate to some of those feelings because I've gone through most of them in the course of graduating high school and "finding myself."

Before I go any farther with my thoughts I would really encourage you all to go read the original post...not with judgment or condescension, but with an open mind and an open heart. Click here for a link to the post.

How did that post affect you? Did it make you think? Did it offend you? Did it hit home because it's how you feel as well?

As Christians we're called to be as close to "Christ-like" as possible. That's no easy task. I think that people take that desire to be like Christ in a direction that hurts others. So often we get caught up in the rules and regulations that we miss the real reason we are Christians. I am a Christian because I love God and I want to live my life in a way that brings Him glory.

There are things I won't wear, say, do, drink, watch, or listen to because of my own personal convictions. I wear pants. I wear skirts above my knee. I listen to all sorts of music. I work outside my home. I'm 27 and single. I shave my legs and tweeze my eyebrows. I dye my hair. (shhh!) I love make-up! I talk to "boys" (after dark even!) I do all of those things yet I don't think God loves me any less than He loves those that live life the way Pithy described it.

If we are driving others away from God by the life we lead, we need to take a step back and reevaluate what we're doing. God never promised being a Christian would be easy or popular, but He did call us to be Christ to the world. Have we forgotten that during His time on Earth Jesus spent his time with tax collectors and prostitutes? Not out of pity or charity, but because He loved them and valued them as children of God. Our faith doesn't make us "better" than others. My walk with God doesn't put me on a higher level than someone that doesn't believe in God. My walk with God and my faith simply gives me hope and strength to face what life brings me. It's something that means the world to me and I want to share that hope with others...it's so different than what you might think!

So Pithy (or fan's of her blog) or anyone else that isn't sure about this whole "Christianity" thing, if you're reading this post, I would like to apologize on behalf of all of the Christians that have judged you, talked down to you, said one thing and did another, or drove you away from God and the church. God loves each of you. Christianity isn't about hate and judgment...it's about a real, dynamic, personal relationship with a God that loves you more than you may ever understand.

I would love your comments...good, bad, or in between! I'm not afraid of different opinions! If you don't know God in a way that's real and personal email me...I would love to tell you more about what Christianity really means!

GoodbyeMartha (@) Gmail (.) com

Oh, and Pithy? Thanks for an amazing post today. It was just the wake-up call I needed.

Snorgs,
L-Dubb