real “religion”

I am a Christian. I always hestitate to say that because of the automatic assumptions that people make about me and my faith. They categorize me as either an uneducated fool who is stupid enough to believe in God, a zealot who runs around judging people and screaming about all the things I am against or they watch closely until I display my humanity and then call me a hypocrite. I hate being put under these labels and being judged based on every other Christian they have met (which could be good or bad). I am not a fool nor a zealot. I am embarassed that most of the Christians we see in the media are either lame, naive women in frumpy clothes or lunatics who think spewing hate is an acceptable way to demonstrate their faith. I can’t stand the “reality” shows that have the token Christian who ineviably shoots his/her mouth off or acts like a total idiot “proving” to the audience that Christianity is indeed a joke (Case in point: the Mom, daughter and son team who lost their husband/father in a race car accident on The Amazing Race. They made me cringe to the point I couldn’t watch anymore). I think that Christians have brought much of North America’s opinion of them and their faith on themselves. I am guilty. I am a “normal” person who is trying to live the best life I know how but I am usually quiet about my faith. I need to share my passion more. I think it is important to stand up and give voice to my beliefs. That might mean talking to my son’s teacher about the witch chants they are learning in their Halloween unit, writing to my MLA to encouage political bills that are in line with my beliefs or giving more money to organizations like this and this. But it also means quietly living out my faith by telling my neighbours why we carved a dove in one of our pumpkins at Halloween (to represent the Holy Spirit’s presence in our home) when they ask about it, telling a friend who is hurting that I will pray for her as well as offering my shoulder or leaving on the kids praise music we were having a dance party to (my son’s favourite activity) when the parents of my day home kids show up. I need to make God a more usual and normal part of my life. I really think that if more Christians like my friends and I gave voice to our faith that more people would see it in a positive light. Not that we are perfect examples of Christianity, just that we are rather normal people. We aren’t freaks. We love God and choose to follow the Bible. I swear, I don’t even own a flowered dress, particularly one my daughter has the match to!

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. (1 Peter 3:15 NLT)

Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick.
(1 Peter 3:15 The Message)

The reality of my life is that I have a deep faith in God. I believe in the entirity of the Bible, even the parts that are hard to swallow. I don’t think you can say you believe something and then pick and choose the best, easiest or most convient parts to follow. It’s all or nothing. I also believe that Jesus died on the cross as he said he did and that I can have an actual relationship with him. He is much more to me than a wise Prophet or historical figure. He is truly my friend, my guide and my example. I strive to be like him but I don’t always do a very good job of it. I have gotten to a place in my life where I just don’t care if people think that is crazy. I expect adults to be past the point of mocking one another for their beliefs. At 30+ I left Jr. High behind me long ago and I just don’t feel like going back there.

I guess the questions becomes, “so what?”. What difference does this faith that I have make in my life? How does it impact me as a person, my family, my friends and neighbours, the people I come in contact with and the world around me? How does it show in my worldview and, therefore, my actions? I have been convicted lately by the complacancy of my actions or more honestly, lack thereof. It is important to study the Bible and to pray. This is what helps me know God’s heart and what his will for my life is. But all that knowledge is just knowledge unless I transfer it into action. When I stand before Christ I want to be able to look him in the eye and know that I didn’t waste my life. I don’t want to hang my head in shame and regret. When my deeds are tested in fire, will they burn up like wood and ash or will they survive like stone and brick? I know that my faith has helped me to be a better wife and mother. It has also made me a better family member and friend. As a person I try to live by Micah 6:8, justly, mercifully and humbly. I am trying to live up to my word and to let it dependable. The thing that is lacking in my life is reaching out beyond my comfort zone to help others.

James 1:27 says, “Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world (The Message). Does my life pass muster before God? I don’t think so. My challenge this week is to reach out and to give a cup of water in the name of Jesus. (”This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice.” Matthew 10:42, The Message). That is what will speak to the world about the incredible, unending love of Jesus. His compassion and mercy are unmatched. His grace is endless. Why would I ever hide that?

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