God has set forth very clear standards for our behaviour. Even in our secular society, most people have at least heard of the Ten Commandments. Even those who are completely irreligious have some understanding that there has to be a shared concept of morality for our society to function.
These standards are applied particularly stringently to Christians. Jesus himself said, "Where much has been given, much will be required," and "If you love me, keep my commandments." The world looks to us to set the pace when it comes to good morals. Jesus even demands it. Unfortunately, sometimes Christians publicly do what is blatantly wrong. Sometimes even those who profess to believe are so turned off by the shortcomings of Christians that they give up on the church.
As a Christian, I find this painful to face. It is painful is because I echo the sentiment to some degree. Christ has called his followers not just to live exemplary lives, but to exemplify him on earth. It is not enough for a Christian just to live an ordinary moral life. We must live in exactly the same manner as Christ, who commands us, saying, "Follow me. Take up your cross. Deny yourself. Lose your soul and be found in me." This is the highest calling there is and I admit that we all fall short.
The objection of sinful Christians is also painful because I take it as an insult to my family. The church is identified in scripture as a family. We call each other brother and sister. We bear each other’s burdens. We pray for each other. We support each other, even financially, in the difficult times.
Not only are we like family, we are like one big body, each one of us operating as a contributing part of the whole. Maybe we have body parts that are embarrassing to talk about. We don’t usually like to discuss our flaws.
It is easy to say, "This immoral person must not be a Christian after all." There is, however, a very clear and unequivocal reason why we must not come to this conclusion. We are not perfect people. Again, I admit my own embarrassment: I myself am not perfect.
About Me
- Norma Allen
- Founder of Nallenart and author of L'Art de lire, a French as a Second Language program for homeschooling and classroom instruction. In addition to homeschooling her three children, Norma taught French in the classroom, and online. She has offered seminars to homeschoolers and classroom teachers. Since 1991, Norma has taught guitar at Still River Studio.
Her abiding passion, however, has been learning about how God has reached out to relate to us, his creation. She enjoys reading, meditating, and formal study of the Bible, theology, religion of all kinds, philosophy, and the psychology of being human. Norma has taught on these various issues in a number of settings from informal coffee houses to church Bible studies, and in the classroom. You are invited to join in the dialogue at DisturbingTheWorld.org.