How Should Christians Act?

I hope that you all had a very Merry CHRISTmas and hope your upcoming New Year is blessings galore.

I decided to write this blog with the goal in mind to help others, which is my only point in making my opinion “public.”  Keeping in mind many won’t take on such subjects as they don’t want to upset anyone and don’t like confrontation, I’ll take a stab at it; I can handle the backlash if there is any.  I am not an expert, but felt it in my heart to respond.

In the past I have commented on the topic of homosexuality, and many other topics, generally ending in a heated discussion.  Recently, several people have asked my opinion on certain issues, such as homosexuality, adultery, and other topics not so easily discussed.  Additionally, and what is exciting for me is, people have asked me how to give their life to God.  I will do my best to cover these topics for you now.

To the best of my ability, I will never intentionally single-out or bash homosexuality, or any other type of behavior, even though I may not agree with it in any capacity.  No matter what the topic, I will never let laws, legislation, or the media formulate my mind nor will it sway me from my morals, beliefs, and position. 

What I will do is always and eagerly share that the love of God that rescued me from sin; and truly giving my life to Christ has forever changed it.  I will tell you that the love of Jesus is an incredible honor and blessing, and following Him has shaped my life, direction, and spirit.  It’s so powerful and awesome; I want everyone on the planet to experience it.

I will share my story (without preaching), and do all that I can to lead anyone that asks to accept and give their life to Jesus Christ.   I will always do my best to not condemn, judge, or persecute anyone - that job isn't mine, it's God's.  I want you to read that last sentence again.  This is a very difficult thing to do, and perhaps finally I get it, and it has made me a better person.  This doesn’t mean accept things you disagree with, but it also means energy doesn’t have to be spent fighting it constantly in anger, hate, and mayhem.

You cannot JUDGE people into changing, nor can you HATE people into Heaven. 

I do know that as people accept Jesus Christ, it will change them, in many ways, all positive and glorious.  The Lord provides such great love, comfort, guidance, protection, and blessings - my hope is everyone experiences it.  He makes this available to everyone, all you have to do is ask and give your life to God.  

But how do you do this?  Is it difficult?  Doesn’t this mean I’ll be all “churchy” and life as I know it will over?  Is it too late for me?  I don’t want to be boring and dull, isn’t that what being a Christian means?  Here is something that might help you, if perhaps you were thinking about changing your life and accepting Jesus into your heart.

Admit Your Sin: First, you must understand that you are a sinner. The Bible says, “All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Abandon Self-Effort:  You cannot save yourself by your efforts. The Bible is very clear that it’s “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). Again, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Acknowledge Christ’s Payment: You must believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for your sins. The Bible says, “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That means He died in your place. Your sin debt has been paid by the blood of Jesus Christ, which “cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Accept Him as Savior: You must put your faith in Jesus Christ, and Him alone for your salvation. The blood of Christ does you no good until you receive Him by faith. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).  Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). It couldn’t be any clearer than that. 

Now, if you would like to give your life to Jesus, then pray, “Oh God, I’m a sinner. I’m lost, and I need to be saved. I know I can’t save myself, so right now, once and for all, I trust You to save me. Come into my heart, forgive my sin, and make me your child. I give You my life. I will live for You as You give me strength.”

If you will make this your heartfelt prayer, God will hear and save you! Jesus has promised that He will not turn away anyone who comes to Him in faith (John 6:37). He will make you a child of God, if you will turn to Him (John 1:12). Will you trust Him today?

Getting back to the difficult topics previously discussed, I will never condone or approve sin.  I will not "go with the flow" or be "politically correct", God doesn’t want me to be passive, but wants me to be giving and speak truth into others. There are many Bible references to homosexuality, which seems to be the hot topic, so do your own research, and you might start with Leviticus 20:13.

In this short article I will not start shot-gunning hundreds of Bible quotes and verses to prove my point or make it seem more believable.  Everyone reading this is a big boy or girl, and can do his or her own research.  I will however share a few passages from The Bible, to remind people that sin is sin and nobody on earth is exempt from it, regardless of how great you think you are, how rich or good looking you are, or how many Sunday’s in a row you go to church.

Yes, I believe in The Bible, Jesus Christ, and God, and The Bible is something I study, learn from, and refer to often.  There aren’t many topics it doesn’t cover or have reference and guidance for, and as a believer, I hold its contents in high regard and close to my heart.

What we cannot forget is there are many other warnings from God about having a wicked tongue, murder, hatred, wrath, pride, extortion, just to name a few.  Why focus on homosexuality when lusting after another person is a sin of equal value?  The Ten Commandments were made specifically by God and Moses ensured he completed them as God instructed.  Saying The Lord's name in vain, is breaking the third commandment.

I have to remain steadfast in doing all I can to lead others to Christ, which is the job of all believers.  Hate the sin but love the sinner.  This applies to all sins, not just one you adamantly oppose or are fixated on.  

I am so far from perfect it’s scary, but what I try and do is live my life in the manner that God wants me to.  I will fail, time and time again, and thanks to Jesus’s death and resurrection, I am forgiven.  This doesn’t give me a “Get out of sin free card” allowing me to sin and sin over and over when I know it’s wrong either.  If you sin, on purpose, repeatedly with the knowledge of it being wrong, that in itself is a sin, one that may not be forgiven.

As a Christian, we are to pray for those who are caught in darkness, and we are to be kind.  (1 Corinthians 13:4).  We are to show Jesus’s love (Ephesians 4:15) and bring them to a saving faith in Christ.  We shouldn’t be hateful, don’t be a bully.  We should be encouraging others towards holiness.  We should be taking care of those in need.  “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”  (Proverbs 19:7)

So before you decide to hop on the condemnation and judgmental train, pause and take inventory of your heart and your actions.  

If we all spent our time trying to lift others up, helping and encouraging others, leading them away from darkness, and sharing the light of God.   It is my opinion that this world would easily change immediately, if that was done.

I know I will fall short; but I will do my best daily to lead by example, love and pray instead of hate and protest, and do all I can to hear, “Job well done my good and faithful servant.”

I understand this article might make some uncomfortable or some may not believe what I believe, and that is okay.  In sharing what's on my heart I am doing what I was led to do, so I'm open for constructive dialogue should you desire.

Wishing you many wonderful blessings for 2015.  May you be healthy, prosper, and enjoy life to the fullest.