hypocrisy

"The most important question for me is not, "How do I touch people?" but, "How do I live the word I am speaking?" In Jesus, no division existed between what he said and what he did. Saintliness means living without division between word and action."
- Henri Nouwen

i'm sure you've all heard that the number one reason people are turned away from Christianity is hypocrisy in the church. well, if not, then now you know.

but i mean, it makes sense doesn't it? we, as Christians, are supposed to set an example for other people by being godly men and women. we go around wearing Christian shirts and bracelets that say WWJD (what would Jesus do?), but sometimes i'm not sure whether it's more of a fashion trend or a statement of faith.

many of us, me included, have literally been brought up in the church since birth. we've gone through years of sunday school, church fellowship, Christian camps, and small groups, but to what purpose? sure, we've perfected the talk, but what about the walk?

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.
- Titus 1:16a

Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," so of course, no one expects anyone to be perfect, but what IS expected? in the world's eyes, Christians are, more often than not, seen as goodygoodytwoshoes on paper, but when various situations arise, many times it seems like people are just waiting to pounce on each mistake.

is this bad? not necessarily. we're supposed to live a life "worthy of the calling we have received," so by all means, we should pride ourselves in the fact that we are representatives of Jesus Christ. however, with larger responsibility comes larger consequences, and one mistake could have the effect of turning one person away from Christ -- i'm sure no one wants to have to live with that.

so what's the bottom line? this time i'm really not sure. i suppose it all starts with keeping each other accountable. and, you know, just think before you say or do anything. it all sounds simple, doesn't it? i guess it's just another one of those things that's easier said than done.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
- James 2:17