Christians are living witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but there are 7 things that can harm our witness before the world.
Living Witnesses
Christians are living witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but there are 7 things that can harm our witness before the world. As a Christian, you are the representative of Jesus here on earth. People are watching you, so everything that you do and say tells them something about God. Whether this is for good or for bad depends on you. The responsibility to represent Him in the best possible way has been placed on our shoulders, and it’s not something we should take lightly. However, there are many things that Christians are fond of doing these days that send the wrong message and misrepresent Christ to the world. Hence, they need to be stopped. Some of these are as follows.
Saying Christian Platitudes
Too often, we find ourselves in situations where we’re not sure what to say, so we just say something. Many of these things may be meaningful and sound Christian, but in reality, they may misrepresent God. Sayings like, “there’s a reason for everything that happens,” “Hate the sin, but love the sinner,” aren’t very helpful in reality. Firstly, they don’t point people to Christ. They sound like fakes to the recipients who were expecting us to be real with them at that point. While some of these sayings may be true or have some truth in them, saying them blindly isn’t helpful for anyone and may do more harm than good.
Why not do this? Try to be honest and real with people. Your words may not come out perfectly, but authenticity and sincerity are more important than trying to speak the perfect words in a given situation.
Avoiding Negativity on Social Media
In recent years, social media has become a tool for many to spew their negativity in the name of passing on their personal views. There’s a lot of bad news around today, and many people are already frustrated, so social media allows them to vent their anger and frustration. This may be the way most people do things, but it should not be so for Christians.
The Christian must constantly guard against taking up these negativities and be careful not to join the bandwagon. You should be known for what you stand for rather than what you’re against. Your social media accounts should share the truth, goodness and beauty rather than spewing negativity and hatred. God says that “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil 4:8).
I’ll Pray for You (but don’t!)
This is a common offence for many Christians, myself included. We’re sometimes too quick to use the phrase “I’ll pray for you” when we struggle to even pray for ourselves. In reality, praying for one another is our duty (1 Tim 2:1; James 5:16). It’s not wrong to tell people that you will pray for them. It is sin to say that and not follow through in praying for them (1 Sam 12:23). All believers should stop saying it without backing it up with action. You may not mean to forget, but we often forget anyway. You may get too busy that you don’t remember other people in your prayers. One way to stop this is to pray with them on the spot or write it down in a prayer journal. Don’t procrastinate! Doing it on the spot does three things.
You showed them love by telling them you will pray for them.
You have fulfilled your obligation to pray for believers.
It serves as a reminder for you during your personal prayers.
This is how we can really help people truly. We can help people without necessarily praying for them or promising to pray for them, so we need to know when people need help and when they need prayer or when they need both. God says that “whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Judgment Begins in the House of God
The Apostle Peter says that “it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God” (1 Pet 4:17), so God will judge those outside of the church, not us. Living like Christ is something that only Christians can do because they have the Holy Spirit. It’s why we’re called Christians in the first place. Living this life can be challenging; that’s why we have the Holy Spirit that enables us to live this godly life (2 Peter 1:3), but non-Christians don’t have the Holy Spirit’s power that we have. It would be unfair to expect them to live our kind of life without the help of the Spirit. You should try to win them over, and impact their lives in some way by encouraging them and not condemning them. To expect them to be like you and forcing your values on them isn’t only wrong, it’s unfair. It’s something that’s impossible for them. Unless you win them to Christ first, and they receive the Holy Spirit, you may have to put up with their ungodly behavior while trying to encourage and impact them.
“I’m Fine” (but not)
When we meet in churches, the proverbial “How are you doing” question is bound to be asked. Without thinking, most of us say, “I’m fine,” even when we aren’t fine. It is high time we started being honest before others because we’re in the same family. Being a member of the body of Christ is very powerful, and it’s more than singing songs and listening to sermons. We are to rejoice with one another in the good times and mourn with one other in difficult times, or “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15). The church is God’s biggest blessing to the believer next to Christ, but if we don’t access the help He’s provided for us through the church by saying “I’m fine,” then we’re not being honest with ourselves and with others.
Stop Playing Politics
While politics is important, it isn’t the most important thing for sure. In many ways, politics can be a great distraction from the great commission and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many unbelievers have equated Christian beliefs with their parents’ political views. This may be because their parents spoke more about their political opinions and beliefs than their religious beliefs, so children pick up the same political views instead of placing the real value of God’s Word. Ensure your platform propagates the gospel and what you stand for as a believer. Try to find a balance and ensure that your political ideology doesn’t overshadow the gospel.
The Assembling of the Saints
Are you guilty of avoiding church? Church attendance shouldn’t be just a habit to check off of your weekly checklist. Our whole lives should revolve around God. He should be our priority. We are commanded to not be “neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:25).
Conclusion
Being a Christian comes with great responsibility to represent God and our faith. We must do it right. The lost world is watching. What impression will we leave?
Author’s Bio: Charlie Svensson is a fast, engaging freelance resume help writer. Skilled in content writing and blogging.
Here is some related reading for you: How to Stop Worrying: 7 Tips for Christians
Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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