A Facebook friend posted an article summarizing what non-Christians really think about Christians. Based on numerous interviews with unchurched individuals, here are the most common types of responses received:
- Christians are against more things than they are for.
- I would like to develop a friendship with a Christian.
- I would like to learn about the Bible from a Christian.
- I don’t see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.
- I wish I could learn to be a better husband (or wife or dad or mom) from a Christian.
- Some Christians try to act like they have no problems.
- I wish a Christian would take me to his or her church.
My two big “takeaways” from these comments: 1) Unchurched people actually want to have a relationship with me; and 2) They want me to be real (I need to live what I believe). Should I be surprised by this?
Isn’t this the message from Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16? 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
And isn’t this what we’re taught in 1 Peter 3:15? “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
If I’m a real Christian who actually lives out his beliefs, people will be drawn to God, the true source of light in this dark world. And once people know that I’m for real, and that I love them and care about them no matter what (even if they never decide to follow God), I’ll earn the right to be heard and share the reason for the hope that I have. It’s sort of a grown-up, real-life “Show and Tell” where I have to demonstrate something through my life before I can talk about it. People are watching; what will my life show them?
Troy Burns