Have you encountered Jesus followers like those described in this graphic? I’m pretty sure the answer is YES. In fact, I’m sad to write that there may be one or two of you out there who would name ME as one of those people.
All too often, those of us who claim we are Jesus followers act the same as everyone else on this planet. We are obnoxious, two-faced, self-righteous sinners who are usually ready to point out the errors of others while ignoring our own shortcomings.
Sometimes, we even go so far as to claim we are being persecuted while we are busy persecuting others.
There are times when people wish we would do what our leader did when He was physically on earth: help those for whom our culture has little time or regard.
Jesus did that repeatedly, treating people from other tribes and cultures with respect, defending a woman caught in adultery from heartless “religious” leaders, having dinner with people who were scorned by arrogant authorities and more.
I’m glad to tell you there are many examples of Jesus followers who behave in ways that make it clear, without any need to declare it, that they ARE good Jesus followers. Here are a few:
- I know of many Jesus-following doctors and nurses who volunteer to serve in hospitals in the developing world.
- We often read in the news about church leaders protecting people from heartless deportation or from death during violent times.
- Most major North American cities have Jesus ministries whose entire reason for existing is to feed and shelter homeless people.
- Canadian Catholic humanitarian and theologian Jean Vanier started a worldwide network of non-profit communities called “L’Arche”. Those communities provide homes and support services for mentally challenged people. Vanier certainly wasn’t perfect, but he did follow Jesus to the best of his ability.
There are many more examples, but you get the point. In each case, these Jesus followers are being the hands and feet of Jesus to a world that we all know isn’t doing well.
Could Jesus followers be doing more? Of course we could. That’s why we gather at churches (or “do” church online), to understand how we can overcome our shortcomings and be “good” Jesus followers. Without having to tell people that’s what we are.
What about you and your failures — the bad things you’ve done and the good things you’ve failed to do? Do you want to know how you can overcome them through an awesome power that’s truly beyond your understanding? Then check out Jesus. He’s God’s gift to everyone who’s willing to accept that gift.
What are your thoughts? Post them below and let’s have a conversation.
Frank's Cottage 
I’m reminded of the song lyrics “they will know we are Christians by our love.” It is not our words which will bring others to know the love of Jesus, it is our actions.
Such a thoughtful post today, Frank! Sharing!
Blessings to you!
A good attitude doesn’t come from having the best everything in life; it come from making the best everything in life. If you will make time with God, your first priority, then everything else in your life will face into place. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
God Bless you. Dettsy
“There are times when non-Christians wish we would do what our leader — Jesus Christ, whom serious Christians, and many others, believe is the son of God — did when he was physically on earth: help those for whom our culture has little time or regard”.
Maybe this is a useful question and non-Christians may indeed ask this. But there are other things that may be more obvious. E.g. atheists — who are not of the “new atheist” (or anti-theist) kind — may rather wish to act the way we see in this great wisdom teacher, Jesus (who was mythified as god by the author of the gospel of John around or after 90 CE).
We may wish to actually do what Christians are sometimes only talking about – all those beautiful things like being graceful, loving, compassionate, non-judgmental, etc.
There is a line from a song or someone from the past that asks “if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to help convict you?”
I know I’m not perfect, but I hope I do not misrepresent Christ and that there is evidence that I am a follower of Christ without having to tell people with just my words.
There is another quote (I’m not sure who to attribute it to) that says something about ‘preaching the gospel, if necessary, use words’. That’s not an exact quote but I think you get the picture.
Good one Frank. I fall short daily but keep trying…Well Said. Here’s hoping my actions show my heart.