One of the most revered books related to the Church is “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis. Although the book was written in 1952, it is still considered one of the most profound books about how Christians should act and think today.
If this was required reading to anyone following Christ, the state of religion may be in a better state today. Nonetheless, the country’s perception of faith in God is dwindling rapidly, largely because of how followers of God act.
From pastoral scandals to evangelist issues, people who have wavering faith (or, none at all) have many reasons to doubt how Jesus changes someone’s life. They base those misguided perceptions on the few Christians who don’t live up to the words in “Mere Christianity,” much less, those of the Holy Bible.
Few? Definitely. There are 2.6 billion Christians around the world.
Take this guy. Meet Peter Owens of Clearwater Beach, Florida. (Yes, this story is about “A Florida Man.”) Owens, 35, was charged with felony battery at a local Walgreen’s pharmacy.
He walks in a free man to purchase some headphones. On his way out, things went a little sideways.
Owens gets into “a verbal altercation” about said headphones because the store clerk was “being rude” to him. Then, he smacks the clerk in the face with all 66 chapters of the King James Bible.
This lackluster representation of Christ was released on a $5,000 bond and said that he “did not mean to hit her.”
Sure, Pete. That’s an entirely different meaning of “You need Jesus.”
We Need Christ Back in the Word “Christianity”
Those other stories, like Peter Owens’ Walgreens trip, ruin life in Christianity for the rest of us. These are the tales now taking a toll and getting in the way of a true relationship with God.
A recent Pew Research survey states that 28% of American adults identify as “religiously unaffiliated,” which is larger than Protestants (24%) and Catholics (23%). More than half of Americans (56%) believe not in Jesus, but “another higher power.”
Why is it alarmingly difficult to find Christians resembling the “Fruit of the Spirit” of God–love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
- Ask anyone who has been full-time staff at a church.
- Ask anyone what’s the worst shift to work in a restaurant.
- Ask anyone about their perceptions of televangelism.
- Ask anyone who are the worst drivers on the road.
Most of the time, the answers will be “Not great,” “Sunday mornings,” “Crooks” and “The cars with those fish emblems on them.” The Episcopal Church put out a study two years ago citing “Nonbelievers say Christians don’t represent Jesus well.” To answer, “Who is saying such things,” are those in that study:
- 88% of American Christians view Jesus as “an important figure.”
- 76% believed in Christ’s historical existence
- 57% consider themselves giving, while 55% think they are loving
So, why is it that the non-Christians in this poll have this to say about everyone else who believes in Jesus:
- 50% believe Christians are hypocritical
- 49% are judgmental
- 46% are self-righteous
- And 32% are arrogant
- 29% of “non-religious” people believe Christians they know don’t represent Jesus’ teachings
- 18% of “non-Christians” (i.e., Atheists, Other religions) believe that’s the case
What Would Jesus Do
Remember these bracelets? They served as a friendly reminder to reflect the Lord through your actions, words, and thoughts. Looking at those statistics, it’s clear this reminder is crucial to winning back the faith of the unbeliever and the respect of anyone.
Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 GNT)
Jesus knows what it means to feel anger (John 2:13-22), sadness (John 11:35), joy (Luke 6:20-25), and even doubt (Matthew 27:46). Yet, He didn’t act out on those emotions because He was always aware of his ultimate purpose–to earn the respect, trust, and love of the unbeliever.
How would it look to the condescending Pharisees and Sadducees if Jesus acted out, threw a tantrum, or even cut someone off in traffic? People were always watching and He knew it. Why do we forget it? And why doesn’t it bother us when we do?
Consider this: If all those statistics prove the unbeliever thinks Christians should “do better,” what would happen if we did?
Perceptions change. Opinions soften. Eyes open. And minds clear. That’s the power of a positive testimony (Revelation 12:11) and being a living epistle of the Gospels (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). The numbers prove anyone who isn’t saved wants to see those who claim they are to act like it.
There is a migrating movement that speaks to how incorrigible grouches are appreciated in the world–a pleasant reminder to be nice. Guess what? At one time, if not now, someone may have thought that you weren’t.
Church, let’s be better at resembling “Mere Christianity” and show the world this is what Jesus would do.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In