As Christians, we aren't supposed to care what people think about us. We're supposed to live in the world but not be of the world- to go about our business above reproach and to honor God in what we do.
The Gospel is offensive. Only one way to Heaven? Jesus' claims as King, God, Messiah? And these are just a few examples.
Now compare this to the current views of our society. Tolerance, freedom from rules (meaning those that are there for our own good and the good of others, not legalism), the 'as long as you believe something you'll go to Heaven' mentality, 'the just do more good than bad' mentality... they all make the Gospel seem... outdated. Inappropriate. Unacceptable. No wonder people have negative views of Christianity.
True followers of Christ in our society walk a fine line. Negative feelings, words, actions abound due to our beliefs, actions, the basic way we live our lives.
Many are quick to agree that believers in America have it much easier than those around the world. Last Sunday's sermon on persecution humbled my "missionary pride" and admonished me to pray more than I do (which isn't much at all).
There's another facet to the negativity, and about caring about the way people perceive us.
Dare I say too often our political passions, moral issue opinions, inability to listen, desire to argue until we win and lack of concern for others hinders us from having an impact for Christ.
While we shouldn't base our self-worth or identity on what others think of us (a topic of which I have more questions than insights), there's a level of behavioral appropriateness. We are to treat others with respect, regardless of their opinions. Even if someone is a jerk, are we not to turn the other cheek? Believe me, I'm preaching to the choir here.
How do people identify the Christians in their lives? We are often known by the things we are against.
Our lives are a great testimony to the world when others see us as set apart due to our love for God, devotion to Him above all else and our love for and service to others.
The passage from 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 relates to/caused this post:
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." {NIV}
"Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details." {verse 4, The Message}
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