In recent years many people have begun using the phrase, "I just want to do the Christian thing", as an explanation for various kinds of decisions and choices they make. But sometimes I have to wonder: "What, exactly, is the Christian thing?"
Some folks, for example, seem to think that doing the Christian thing is taking a hard-line, or a "stand", or being unwavering in their certainties. Being a Christian is about defining oneself over-and-against others who are not Christian . . . and even deciding who is and is not a follower of Jesus.
But I wonder if, instead of asking, "What is the Christian thing to do?" we would not be better served by asking, "How did Jesus act?" or "How did Jesus respond?" or even "How would Jesus have me treat this person or this situation?"
After all, being a Christian--as defined as a follower of Jesus, or one who sets out to live his or her life after the example and teachings of Christ--is principally about relationships (with God and others). How we treat people, how we accept people, how we work with people, how we greet people, and how we help people are all defined by the spirit of Jesus . . . if we are doing the Christian thing!
And then here's the real kicker . . .
The gospel teaches us that we should even love our enemies, that we should treat those who might differ from us, or disagree with us, or even hate us, with an even greater love . . . as Christ loved. This is doing the Christian thing!
I don't have answers for the church. Never have. But I do know that much of what passes these days for "The Christian Thing" frequently isn't Christian at all. And sometimes those folks who tell us they are just "doing the Christian thing" aren't representing the gospel of Christ.
Which makes me wonder . . . am I doing the Christian thing? Are YOU?
Some folks, for example, seem to think that doing the Christian thing is taking a hard-line, or a "stand", or being unwavering in their certainties. Being a Christian is about defining oneself over-and-against others who are not Christian . . . and even deciding who is and is not a follower of Jesus.
But I wonder if, instead of asking, "What is the Christian thing to do?" we would not be better served by asking, "How did Jesus act?" or "How did Jesus respond?" or even "How would Jesus have me treat this person or this situation?"
After all, being a Christian--as defined as a follower of Jesus, or one who sets out to live his or her life after the example and teachings of Christ--is principally about relationships (with God and others). How we treat people, how we accept people, how we work with people, how we greet people, and how we help people are all defined by the spirit of Jesus . . . if we are doing the Christian thing!
And then here's the real kicker . . .
The gospel teaches us that we should even love our enemies, that we should treat those who might differ from us, or disagree with us, or even hate us, with an even greater love . . . as Christ loved. This is doing the Christian thing!
I don't have answers for the church. Never have. But I do know that much of what passes these days for "The Christian Thing" frequently isn't Christian at all. And sometimes those folks who tell us they are just "doing the Christian thing" aren't representing the gospel of Christ.
Which makes me wonder . . . am I doing the Christian thing? Are YOU?
No comments:
Post a Comment