If you say the “magic words” all your problems will disappear.
Being
a Christian does not mean all the pain and heartache of this life will go
away. To tell people otherwise is worse than misleading… it’s a lie.
This
is the issue I have with proselytizing. In proselytizing, some Christians
will do whatever it takes to get people to say, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and
Savior” – the magic words – so at the end of the day they can pat
themselves on the back for how many lives they saved and then go home. As
I see it, there are two basic flaws in proselytizing.
First
of all, we don’t save anyone – only God can save. I’ve even heard
of “mission trips” where hungry people are fed or ill people receive medical
attention only after they say the magic words. Shame on us.
Jesus Christ fed thousands and healed the lame, blind and sick with no ulterior
motive other than to show God’s love for them. Likewise, our actions –
not just our words – should share the hope that we have in God’s love,
forgiveness and grace.
Secondly,
where is the follow up if we simply leave and go home? This morning an
alcoholic may pour out her heart to God then sincerely seek Christ’s healing presence
by tearfully declaring Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior… but later today
she’s still going to crave that next drink.
How can we abandon her after she cries out to God for help? It is very likely that we are Christ’s
healing presence she so desperately seeks.
She needs the love and support of a Christian community that is willing
to surround her and walk with her as she stumbles her way along the uneven road
of sobriety.
No…
being a Christian does not mean all the pain and heartache of this life will go
away. But being a Christian DOES mean we believe that the God who cared
enough to create us continues to be active in our lives – even in the painful,
heartbreaking times. Instead of simply trying to get everyone else to say
the magic words, let’s start living lives that model for the world what
it means to BE a Christian… what it means to have Jesus Christ as our Lord and
Savior. That's living the Gospel!
Love this, Jill. In my neck of the woods, we talk about the folks who get their "Catholic ticket" punched by showing up for Mass, going to confession once per year, etc. but not participating in the Body of Christ. Unfortunately, some who complain need this reminder as well. In fact, we all do!
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