Common Misconceptions About Christians
In a society where we are quick to pass judgment on particular groups of people, Christians have certainly not escaped ridicule at the hands of the misinformed. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about Christians, and why they don’t hold true.
Christians Are All the Same
At a glance, Christians can seem the same, but they differ just as much as the next individuals do. Christians share a belief and faith in Jesus Christ and have received Him as their Lord and Savior. They are all Children of God. The bible is the book they live by, and they seek to understand and apply its contents to their lives.
Aside from this, Christians have their own varying personalities, some are more conservative and reserved, some enjoy modern Christian music and others prefer old hymns. Most importantly, you’ll learn that Christians come from all walks of life and each has their own unique testimony.
Christians Think They Are Better Than Everyone
A true follower of Christ does not believe they are better than anyone. In fact, they place others above themselves. Christianity demands the acceptance that we are not perfect nor are we better than anyone else. Those following the Christian faith have proclaimed that they themselves need help! We understand that everyone sins; Christians continue to sin time and time again. However, it can be difficult to watch a loved one living comfortably in their sin.
We are called to witness to you (to share the news of what Christ has done for us and can do for you), we are called to love you unconditionally, and we are called to speak the truth out of love for you. So, the next time a Christian is telling you something you don’t want to hear, consider that they care greatly for you, desire better for you and know what you need but can’t give it to you - which can be frustrating. Because you need Christ in your life, but we can’t give you that, you have to go to God yourself to get it.
Christians Can’t Have Any Fun
From the outside, Christianity can look like a too perfect world of people who are happier than you could ever imagine being or care to be around. It can also seem like a boring routine life of rule following, but on the contrary, there is never a dull moment in the life of a believer – God is always offering adventure!
That which you call rules, are God’s laws that He has lovingly provided to us with our well being in mind. The ultimate parent is found in Him, our Heavenly Father. Just as a parent attempts to direct their child’s path, God desires His children to live lives that are full of happiness and not regret. Fear, pain and regret result from sinning, not from following God.
Christians knows this to be true, as many lived their lives outside of God’s rules and experienced the turmoil that comes from this. However, Christians are not restricted from having fun, their ideas of fun are changed though, as they draw closer to Christ and further out of the world. Some ways Christians have fun are:
- Serving others through donation of their time, skills and/or money
- Spending time with family
- Fellowshipping through small groups and bible studies, some are geared towards specific groups of people which makes it easier to meet others with shared interests or similar lives.
- Concerts and movies (faith based and/or clean in content)
Christians Live Blindly By Their Faith
On the contrary, Christianity is rather eye opening and gives sight through gained insight. The old hymn lyrics sum it up “Was blind, but now I see”. It has become common for nonbelievers to assume that Christians mindlessly follow a religious regimen, but nothing is further from the truth for most! Christianity is backed by evidence, with scientific studies and finds beginning to pop up in support of the scriptures more often today.
Still, a great amount of faith is required, and must be applied even when reasoning is difficult. Many Christians struggle with unbelief, the same as nonbelievers. Some have a more difficult time than others letting go of their old ways and understanding God’s way, so they study the scripture as they are led and God slowly reveals things to them. He can do the same for you.
It only takes a step out in faith to start. While only God Himself is all knowing, Christians take comfort in knowing He has their best in mind and in their belief in His promises and His Word, the Holy Bible. They learn to walk by faith and not by sight (2Corinthians 5:7).
You can’t really know someone until you’ve walked in their shoes. As humans, we all relate to one another on varying levels. However, to truly understand Christians you must experience true Christianity, which does not come from meeting and talking with a single individual who claims Christianity as their faith, attending church, or even through vigorous study of the scriptures. This kind of understanding can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can begin a relationship with Him by inviting Him into your life today, accepting His free gift of life and having your heart and mind opened. God will enlighten you, and before you know it, you’ll be the one correcting the misconceptions others have of Christians.
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