And they claim to follow Christ…

Some things I’ve seen trouble me, while other things excite me.

I was troubled when I heard that a man that represents conservative Christianity to many in America, Pat Robertson, blamed the devestation in Haiti on the not so clear fact that 200 years ago, Haitians sold themselves to the devil so that the devil would drive out the French.

I was excited when I saw former lead singer of Audio Adrenaline, Mark Stewart, on CNN talking about his Hands and Feet project, which is an orphanage for Haitian children.

In light of such tragedy, the world needs to see Christians like Mark Stewart on CNN, cuddling Haitian orphans, and Pat Robertson quite frankly should think before he speaks.

I was troubled when I heard a racist comment yesterday.  He seemed to be frusterated that all the cement truck drivers were taking a holiday in celebration of MLK’s birthday.  Ironically, he was in our office collecting a check to help pay for a construction project at church.

I was excited back in June when Leon greeted us.  He was to be our new next door nieghbor. He was the first person to talk to us outside of our newly inherited Gethsemane church family.   He is a wonderful conversationalist, and ever since we’ve been here in Virginia, he’s took interest in our lives, and has even kept an eye on our property when we travel.  I couldn’t ask for a better nieghbor.  I’m sure he celebrated MLK too.  He’s a church going African American.

I was troubled by a call I received a few months ago at the church office from a guy who claimed that the Christian church was in competion with denominational churches, and that if I claimed people could have an authentic relationship with Christ outside of the Christian church, I was ignorant to believe that.  I tried to explain to him that whether someone is led to be baptized or not, if someone makes an authentic decision to follow Christ, you can’t argue that.  He ended the conversation by saying I needed to read my bible more.  Last time I checked my bible I saw Galatians 5:6.  It says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

I was excited to hear my friend Chris’ stories today.  He just took an impromptu trip to Florida with several strangers, yet brothers in Christ, to deliver relief supplies to a mission organization that serves Haiti.  He told me about the hanger in Florida where they delivered supplies, and how amazing it was to see people from all sorts of denominational groups coming in out, doing what they can to help participate in the Haitian relief efforts.  He was touched by the like mindedness and the unity there seemed to be between the different denominational groups, as they worked to serve the Savior they love.  And they were serving Jesus, for Jesus taught, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40).

These observations I think represent some battles that have been going on in my thoughts and in my heart.  I think my conclusion it is that its no small thing to say you’re a follower of Christ.  It’s nothing to take lightly.  To call yourself a Christian should be just as sacred as a monogamous marriage, or as serious respecting someone in the light of their death.  I say this because the impact you make on someone with your actions may actually make or break someone else’s eternity.  The world is watching, and hoping to see a reflection of who Jesus really was through us.

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