Walking The Talk of Authentic Christianity
I love this teaching Jesus did for the disciples, especially in the Message Version.
Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer. Matthew 23:1-3 The Message Version
I do not know about others, but I want to see authentic Christianity lived out in the lives of others. I do not want to follow someone who teaches God’s Word, but does not live it out in his or her personal life. Jesus seems to say here that some people talk a good talk, but they do not really “get it” in their hearts. They know all the right verbiage, but their actions do not mirror what they say.
One example is how we may teach a Gospel of love, but then we spew so much hate out in the way we treat others. It is okay to denounce sin, in fact we should, but when the sinners who practice the sin we are denouncing do not believe that we love them, then I am not sure people hear our message, because they cannot get past what they see as condemnation.
Jesus had a way of building a relationship with sinners, without condemning them, giving them an example of holiness, but fully convincing them that He loved and cared for them as individuals. He is the guy I want to follow as my example.
How about you? Do you long to see authentic Christianity?
3 responses to "Walking The Talk of Authentic Christianity"
I always remember my campus pastor say, “Always preach the gospel, use words only when necessary!” I agree, our life should reflect our faith in Him.
.-= Chris´s last blog ..Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series – Part 8 of 8 =-.
And BTW Ron, if you EVER see me crossing that “indisputable” line… PLEASE stop me.
Yes I do.
I am amazed and saddened by how Christians – and I’m speaking of those in leadership position and ones who are “active/mature” Christians – are so secular about their choices of entertainment. Twilight… halloween activities… mafia shows … shows that promote inappropriate sexual activity (like Greys Anatomy… shows using coarse humor & speech) are actually praised by Christians.
One of you said in a Sunday service “… there are things that are indisputable… ” (I think it was Chad) but anyway, it is my opinion that the occult, promiscuous sexual acts, and such are indisputable. And yet I am finding more and more that ‘mature’ Christians are giving their stamp of approval to such things by participating in them… either directly or vicariously thru movies, TV, music or books/magazines.
And they get very upset with you if you say something about it to them. Especially if they see themselves as a leader…
But that ones a whole new issue of church/Christian discipline…