UNCHRISTIAN

I have a lot on my mind right now, so I'm not sure where to start. What I know for sure though, is that my inspiration for today's blog comes from church this morning.

Today's scripture was from Romans 2:12-16:
"All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." NIV

The lesson had to do with God being the ultimate judge, but often times we become judges ourselves. The man giving the sermon had many example stories, and I'll admit I was tired and it was hard to follow, but when he was making his main point, I was on alert.

A lot of the lesson had to do with how other people view Christians. This really struck me, especially the stories I heard. And now I'll repeat one that really impacted me.

We all know who Gandhi is, right? Well, in his younger years, he was a lawyer and was working in South Africa. Gandhi was Hindu, but he had a Christian friend who kept trying to convince him to go to church with him. Gandhi was reluctant, but eventually he gave in. Except here's the clincher: when Gandhi tried to enter the church, the members wouldn't let him because he was 'brown.'

Whoa. That would really change someone's perspective, and this was a Christian congregation. Gandhi has many famous quotes, but have you heard these?:

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

"If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today."

Do I need to say more?

Well, yes, I do. I was just going for dramatic impact.

The point is, Gandhi still loved God and the stories of Jesus. But because of the Christians he met that one time he went to church, he didn't pursue Christianity.

How sad is it that people generally don't have a problem with God, but with the Christians? There's a change that needs to be happening.

Now, I'm not accusing all Christians of being like this, not at all. But it takes one person to make an impression on someone who wants to take a glimpse at our Christianity.

I just want you to remember, that maybe next time you have a visitor in your church, or if someone asks about your beliefs, don't drive them away like so many people have done. Gandhi didn't think we were Christ-like, but if we were, the world would be a much different place.

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16, NIV