Something I hate about Christians
Yeah I know that is an alarming statement…
But there is something I hate about Christians. I hate the fact that we get so focused upon what we think defines being a follower of Jesus and in the mean time we totally miss the point.
Jesus seemed to despise this trait as well…
“Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” (Matthew 23:24)
The Pharisees were classic for making mountains out of mole hills and in the process killing the mole. I can hear us now…piling on the Pharisees. But in the words of the great Lee Corso, “not so fast my friend!”
Because we do the same thing…which is at the very crux of my hatred.
We decry a company like Starbucks for having a “homosexual agenda”. See here and here for Christians calling for a boycott of the Seattle based coffee brewer because they support homosexual rights.
Now listen…I’m no supporter of homosexuality. Nor am I a supporter of any sin although I commit plenty of them. So I guess in that sense I am a supporter…but I digress. 
Why is it that we get all hot and bothered about certain sins but we don’t give a rats (insert King James word for donkey here) about most other sins. When was the last time you heard anyone calling for a boycott of Starbucks because they promote gossip. I’ve never seen Christians complain about McDonalds’ aid in gluttony.
A few years back I got a letter from some wacko watch dog ministry asking our church to boycott the Harry Potter movie that was showing at the time. They were encouraging us to gather at the theatre with signs, wearing t-shirts that said, “Harry Potter is the devil (or something like that)” while handing out tracts that spoke of the love of God. What an amazing evangelistic campaign. I’m sure the credulous pastors and churches that jumped on that bandwagon saw incredible fruit from that effort in futility.
The whole thing reeks…it smells of hypocrisy and stupidity and it is one thing I hate about Christians and the Church. Yes I’m indebting myself as well. I’m a Christian…I pastor a church and I’m proud of both of those things.
Honestly though…aren’t there some things you can’t stand about those of us who claim to follow Jesus? We’re all flawed and messed up. That’s the bottom line really. Why are we calling for boycotts and picketing events while there is a log shooting out of our face?
January 18th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I couldn’t agree with you more!
There’s a book I’ve read called “Roaring Lambs”. The book is basically about getting your hands dirty, rather than complaining. We should be as courageous as lions, yet as gentle as a lamb. We should be willing to “do” something about the evil and perversion in the world, instead of just protesting against it.
The author suggests things like: If you want to put a stop to immoral movies in Holllywood, then become a writer, actor, or producer. Instead of always protesting a bad movie, compliment Hollywood when a positive movie is produced (and there is plenty of them). If you want less profanity on the radio, become a singer, Disc Jockey, etc. If you want fewer homosexuals working at Starbuck’s, go apply for a job.
It’s the same attitude of praying for a way to feed the poor, but not doing anything about it when you have the resources. Christians need to get off their bottoms and become part of the process. That’s the only way REAL change will happen.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Jason,
great point…sounds like a good book.
Have a blessed day!
January 18th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Ryan,
Bullseye. I wonder the same things. How about the commercials and shows on tv that promote lust, greed, and a host of other sins. I think Jesus would especially minister to homosexuals, et al, instead of blackballing them. I would love to see Christians in the arts. There are a few, but more would be good.
MG
January 19th, 2008 at 5:07 am
All too often we elevate our personal opinions and passions to a “Biblical” status, and then blithly require everyone else to conform to these beliefs at the expense of the bulk of Scripture. And it seems that the commandment to love is the first to be thrown out. We do strain out gnats while swallowing camels. Good post.
January 19th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Did you blow your new year’s resolution?
January 19th, 2008 at 7:37 am
I like Starbucks!
January 19th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Reuben,
you nailed me…think of this more of a challenge than a complaint though.
January 19th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Ryan,
Since I read that post back 19 days ago or whatever, I have been convicted, and I sure don’t make it work very well. Especially at the 9-5. Working on it though.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Making mountains out of mole hills and in the process killing the mole.
Where did you get that?
That is a great quote.
Its mine now thanks.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Dan,
I made it up as I was typing…use it all you want.
January 19th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Thanks.
I’m impressed.
Oh, and I liked the rest of your article too.
Have a great service tomorrow.
January 19th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Man, you know what I hate?…..
I hate when the Church (pastors) make a big deal out of stuff like Harry Potter and Santa Claus……and people live as if they are afraid that any exposure to ideas non biblical will result in the immediate rebellion of our youth!
I happen to believe that Jesus will stand while all of these other things fall, I also believe that imagination is a healthy thing especially for a child who is developing the God-Given creativity that each of us has.
The other thing that I wonder about is, why is some make believe ok and others are not?…
newsflash bears cant talk, there is no such thing as a Tigger, or the hundred acre wood, and while I am on the subject why are we not concerned about this Christopher Robin? He is like 12 yet his best friend is a bear who wears no pants?…that’s it I am going to boycott Winnie…and for good measure work said boycott into my message tommorow.
January 19th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I have a homosexual agenda.
Christ has placed two lesbian women, a couple living together, squarely in our sphere and my agenda is to disprove every misconception these two women might have relating to knowing and embracing Jesus as savior. We are actively serving them, respecting them, talking & laughing with them, ultimately building a relationship with them that will provide context to our transparent faith.
Anyone can feel free to boycott my wife and I.
January 19th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Oh, and I’ve read each of the Harry Potter books, too.
January 19th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Your speaking my language, Ryan! I have been thinking the same things for quite awhile, as I evaluate my own walk. It’s only been recently, as I have begun healing from leaving my former church of 15 years, that God is allowing me to see how narrow minded and critical I had become. I had become one of the stupid people following stupid leadership and no longer thinking for myself. The churches agenda become my agenda, because I believed everything they stood for. Give me a break!
I gave up my art career in pursuit of helping the church, and I ended up being greatly wounded by that very institution. Now that I’m out, I’m realizing that God gave us minds to think and talents to use! These talents should be used to honor God and inspire others. Not everyone is called to serve in the church. Some of of need to be out in the world spreading the gospel, and we need the church to help us grow stronger in the Word.
As I said in an earlier post, thank God for the real deal pastors who are committed to teaching God’s word and who have a sincere heart for their people. What an honorable calling! God’s blessings upon you, Ryan!
Lastly, I have grown oh so tired of the critical, fearful “Christians” who picket this and protest that…. I think much more can be accomplished if we stop complaining and instead start living a life that honors God in all that we do. When the body of Christ figures that one out is when others will take notice!!!
January 19th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Phil,
I applaud your efforts and intentions. You are very simply doing what Jesus would do.
Maybe have a Harry Potter discussion group with your neighbors.
January 20th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Jeff,
Here’s one for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9KzrDW-b-Q
January 21st, 2008 at 10:38 am
WOW! thanks Kevin, and that clip just cements my belief that Winnie and the gang are evil
…now that I know they have a connection to Kenny Loggins I am sure I could find tons of new age stuff in the cartoons to be afraid of!…..Dang it to bad I threw out all my kids Pooh dvd’s 
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Jeff,
I’m laughing my (King James Donkey) off over the pooh comments!