10/21/15 Alan, Emanuel 20's
Is the bad behavior of Christians truly a good excuse for not following Jesus?
Alan and Emanuel, in separate conversations on the same day, both spoke of people in their past or in history who claimed to be Christians but whose behavior was hypocritical at best. They both gave this as one of their main reasons for rejecting Christianity. But when I hear complaints about the bad behavior of Christians, its usually because these people are not following the example and teachings of Jesus. In other words, people complain when Christians don’t act Christ like! They call themselves “Christian” but are they?
Jesus knew there would be false teachers and false converts when he said “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” Paul expected it too – “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” (Romans 16)
Many claim the name of Jesus who don’t know him. They are false converts, and they become convenient excuses for those who never wanted to follow Jesus in the first place.
Let’s not be deceived into thinking that all who claim the name of Jesus are Christians, but let’s also not be deceived into thinking that bad behavior done “in Jesus name” is the only reason people don't want to follow Him.
Alan and Emanuel, in separate conversations on the same day, both spoke of people in their past or in history who claimed to be Christians but whose behavior was hypocritical at best. They both gave this as one of their main reasons for rejecting Christianity. But when I hear complaints about the bad behavior of Christians, its usually because these people are not following the example and teachings of Jesus. In other words, people complain when Christians don’t act Christ like! They call themselves “Christian” but are they?
Jesus knew there would be false teachers and false converts when he said “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” Paul expected it too – “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” (Romans 16)
Many claim the name of Jesus who don’t know him. They are false converts, and they become convenient excuses for those who never wanted to follow Jesus in the first place.
Let’s not be deceived into thinking that all who claim the name of Jesus are Christians, but let’s also not be deceived into thinking that bad behavior done “in Jesus name” is the only reason people don't want to follow Him.
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