A Call for Christians to Act Like They Are Christians

A Call for Christians to Act Like They Are Christians August 25, 2015

Copyright: olegdudko / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: olegdudko / 123RF Stock Photo
Do not say that it is naïve to think we can love everyone, even our enemies.

It is not naïve; it is Christian.

Do not say that it is politically naïve to be forgiving of those who hurt you.
It is not naïve; it is Christian.

Do not say that it is naïve to ensure everyone’s basic needs are met, even for the least of these.
It is not naïve; it is Christian.

I grow weary of Christians who on Sunday worship the Prince of Peace and the rest of the week align themselves with political perspectives that support war.

I grow weary of Christians who pray on Sunday, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” and spend the rest of the week holding grudges and seeking revenge.

I grow weary of Christians who on Sunday profess their love for the one who said, “when you do it to the least of these you do it to me,” but spend the rest of the week supporting politicians and political platforms that step on the least of these.

I grow weary of the cognitive dissonance in which some Christians blissfully exist, not realizing that while on Sunday they claim the moniker of Christ, the things they profess the rest of the week belie the teachings of the name they claim.

If you don’t want your politics to match your religious beliefs, that’s fine with me.

If you don’t need authenticity in the balance between what you confess on Sunday and what you profess the rest of the week, that’s fine with me.

But do not pretend that you are practicing what you preach.

Do not pretend that you are talking the talk and walking the walk.

Do not pretend it is alright with God.

God expects a life lived with authenticity, not a life lived practicing this kind of false duplicity.

God expects us to strive to be the people we claim to be, not merely claim to be the people we are supposed to strive to be.

Don’t tell me that the things Jesus taught are naïve when placed within the realm of contemporary governance.

Don’t tell me that the things Jesus said are “good” things to say, but that they are not practical in “real life.”

Jesus never said that following in his way would be practical – he said that it would be difficult.

Tell me that your faith is big enough to take the first step into matching your Sundays and your weekdays.

Tell me that you are so committed to the teachings of Jesus that you will risk loving your enemy.

Tell me that the image of Christ is carved out in every face you see and that you could never sit idly by as politicians and big business conspire to step on the least of these.

Tell me that God’s love lives in you.

Tell me that in you, God’s love knows no bounds.

Tell me that in you, God’s love is bigger than any party loyalty.

Tell me that in you, God’s love is more valuable than anything wealth could ever bring you.

Tell me with your words.

Tell me with your actions.

Tell me with your political positions.

Tell me with your life.

 

 

Consider supporting Mark’s blogging. Help create a market for Progressive Christianity. Not through big publishers or big denominations, but through the grassroots. We need to encourage the growth of progressive Christian voices in the marketplace. Even a dollar will help.
 

Facebook continues to make it increasingly difficult for me to let you know about new blog posts like this. Please consider signing up for my mailing list where we can insure you are notified.Just click here!

Mark is a co-founder of The Christian Left. Come and join the conversation!


Browse Our Archives