A journey I've been traveling...

I named this blog "God's Forge" because I wanted it to chronicle the process of refinement that God has been putting me through.  Over the past year or so, I've been on what my OT professor at SWBTS would call a "journey of faith."  I was going to write a book about this journey, and I still may, but it would be remiss of me not to share at least some parts of it here.

A few days ago, I posted on my Facebook a question, especially directed at my friends who were not Christians.  I got several responses, all of which I appreciate.  The question was, "What are Christians known for today?"  Here are the responses I received:

"You won't like the answer to this question."  "Most of the people I work with...talk about how judgmental the Christians they knew are."  "I expect most Christians to be hypocritical."  "I think of someone who believes in Christ."  "Today, someone saying they are 'christian' is like saying they are not muslim or not buddhist."  "I think someone who is like Christ."  "Good people in general."  "Someone being like Christ."

Warranted or not, we as followers of Christ are known for our judgment, hypocrisy, and religious beliefs.  And I have known many a Christian who thinks, "Oh they're just generalizing.  We're not all like that."  That may be true, but the fact remains that we are still known for these things.

Here's the problem with that:  "By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another."  --John 13:35

We're not supposed to be known for our judgment of others.  We're not supposed to be known for hypocrisy.  We're not even supposed to be known for our religious beliefs.  The defining characteristic of a follower of Christ is that he/she loves others.  And it seems that is now the least important part of being a Christian.

Brothers and sisters, it doesn't matter how good our doctrine is or how strong our beliefs are or how many people we can convince to "jump on our bandwagon."  If we don't have love, then we are missing the point of what it means to follow Christ.  We have an image problem, and we need to take steps to correct it.

I have so much more to say on this, but that will have to wait for the next post.  In the meantime, fellow Christians, ask yourself this:  "What am I known for?  Am I known for what I'm against and what I am willing to argue about?  Or am I known for my love?"

Keep Soaring,

B