Pointing fingers. We all do it. It usually means that we are shifting the blame and not owning up to something. Let me make a confession today through this blog. A confession for Christians globally. I want to point my finger at Christians, all of us, me, you. You may embrace this proposition, or, you may not like it at all. The thought does not originate from me, but, I share this sentiment strongly. Brennan Manning is the author of this following quote, but not the originator. I believe that Solomon laid the foundation of this thought in Proverbs 11:10-11.
"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices...By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted." - Solomon
One of the most intimidating thoughts in scripture. Are we willing to take our responsibility in the work of the kingdom here on earth? Aside from the rocks and the hills and the trees crying out, it is my responsibility to witness of Christ and His life also. Read Proverbs 11 and then the following quote and leave your thoughts:
Blog in and let's see what your opinions are. Agreement and dis-agreements wanted. Maybe like me, you too will look into the mirror and point at yourself!
"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices...By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted." - Solomon
One of the most intimidating thoughts in scripture. Are we willing to take our responsibility in the work of the kingdom here on earth? Aside from the rocks and the hills and the trees crying out, it is my responsibility to witness of Christ and His life also. Read Proverbs 11 and then the following quote and leave your thoughts:
The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable
Blog in and let's see what your opinions are. Agreement and dis-agreements wanted. Maybe like me, you too will look into the mirror and point at yourself!
I guess my only question is, is there ever a point we can get to where we wont need to point at ourselves? It seems like what you're implying is that the world expects perfection, and points the fingers at the Christians who don't "achieve it," while the Christian also points at himself. Maybe we should never stop pointing at ourselves. Maybe we should never point at all. Maybe the name of the game isn't "Take the blame so the world will stop complaining," maybe its "Stop pointing and start living." Maybe we don't have a word for it. It's not just living, maybe it's love, compassion, mercy, integrity. Maybe pointing the finger at ourselves is a bad analogy. We can't scold ourselves for failing, just as Jesus doesn't and asks us to let him forgive us, if we only ask. Maybe just a call for awareness and integrity within ourselves, and to help those around you as best as you can is sometimes all we can do.
ReplyDeleteThoughts from an Unscholarly, Unworthy, and altogether "Idiotic" NCU student.
Would an atheist truly say this is one of the greatest reasons they choose not to believe? It certainly doesn't help the cause of Christ, but I believe rather that they choose not to believe because it would mean that something would have to change.
ReplyDeleteWe will be accountable for our actions, but choosing to believe or not is on them.
john, thanks. i am not saying we should ever stop pointing at ourselves. you missed that. and i certainly don't think that i was saying an theist expects perfection. nor does christ expect perfection. ultimately what i am saying is that a little consistency and awareness could bring the integrity that convinces people of a real christ and his principles in we his creation. and john, you are not an idiot. your thoughts are quite clear. and you are clearly superior!
ReplyDeleteand mike, thanks. i have sat with many atheists and heard the same thing. hypocrites and inconsistency in christ's followers proves the lack of conversion power of the gospel. of course there are many reasons for being an atheist. i am just asking the question...could a relevant and integral believer bring the faith of christianity alive in our culture and before the eyes of unbelieving people with convincing power?
Every Christian, or "Christian" needs to read this!! I'm so going to TWEET this.
ReplyDelete