As Christians, we’re often known for what we’re against. When you identity as a Christian, the majority of people immediately assume you are against:
- Gay people
- Women who have abortions
- People of other religions
- People who have no religion
- People who don’t have their act together
- Democrats and Liberals
- Sex before marriage
- Drunkenness
- Having fun
- Sleeping in on a Sunday
True or not, that is how most Christians are seen.
Some of those points in the list are ridiculous and completely made up. Others are gleaned from the acts of people who claim to be Christian, but don’t truly follow Christ (think “God Hates Fags” signs). Still others come from well-meaning Christians focusing on the wrong things. Some, however, are biblical principles that set us apart from the world.
No matter if they are true or not, biblical principles or not, how God wants us to live or not, the truth remains: We are known for what we’re against.
I’m tired of it.
I’m tired of people immediately assuming I’m against something because I follow Christ. The truth is, I don’t spend my time thinking about or focusing on what I’m against. You won’t see me in a picket line outside an abortion clinic or denouncing Democrats as the Anti-Christ.
I want to be known for what I stand for – what all Christians are meant to stand for:
- Second chances
- Taking care of the poor
- Loving those society casts aside
- Loving those who messed up their lives
- Loving those who have everything together
- Pretty much just loving people
- Looking after the widow and orphan
- Living a life that draws people closer to God
- Bringing an end to injustice
- Living on less so I can give more
- Helping people see the potential and calling in their lives
- Showing others that they were created for so much more
- Showing a better way of living
- Helping people out of addictions and bondage to experience freedom
- Loving those who hate me
As Christians, we are called to stand for something more than we’re called to stand against something. Tweet this
Maybe if we were more passionate about standing for the things Christ called us to stand up for, and focused less on standing against the issues of the world, people would see a different side of Christ shining through us.
I choose to stand for.
And show others the way God intended us to live.
How can you “stand for” the character of truth of God today? Leave a comment below.
Background photo credit: glennshootspeople via photopin cc