Election Reflection

Monday night in small group we talked about some of the world's perceptions of Christians. Words like: cult, ignorant, judgemental, holier than thou, unwilling to listen, unwilling to befriend non-Christians were thrown around. The next question was: Is there truth to these perceptions? And an overwhelming yes came from all of us. One of our fellow small groupies said "We are called to be set apart and we are. But not for the things we should be. It would be one thing if we were set apart because we were known for being kind, loving, and giving. But that's not how we're known."

I didn't realize it on Monday night but Tuesday would prove to be poster day for all of those negative things we listed. I saw them on my newsfeed one after another. A facebook friend of mine even stated that statements like those made on social networks is why she stays away from organized religion. And who can blame her?

For one thing, it seems people need the welfare system explained to them. And for another, tough shit if people take advantage of it. Should we do away with the whole system because a small percentage may work the system a little? Let me ask you a question, have you never taken advantage of a situation you've found yourself in? It's not an excuse but it points the finger back at you which is the only place your finger should EVER point.
 The welfare system and unemployment are in place to help those in need. And frankly it has to be because the "church" isn't doing it's job of reaching out. Everyone wants to cry "socialism" but without taking it to that extreme why are people so afraid to GIVE?

As a Christian I believe that what I have isn't mine to begin with. It belongs to God. And what would God want me to do with my money? Hoard it all up and keep it from those in need because I'm paranoid that someone might not need it as much as I think they should?

As Christians how do we look when we post things like "I work every day so that those on the draw can have an iphone, a new car and fake nails." (I've seen that from PLENTY of "Christians"). Is that how we win those people to Christ? Judging them when we have no idea what their life is like? Judging them based on their looks or the car they drive or because they're unable to find work.

If all of the scare tactics about coal actually come to fruition some people may find themselves in the position to have to be on welfare or receive unemployment. The harsh reality is that most of us are only a layoff and a couple of overdue bills away from needing help. And how would we feel if people judged us.

As Christians we are called to live like Christ but I'm not sure most "Christians" know who that is. I know I haven't always known. I posted a quote from Jon Cusack a while back on pinterest. When asked who his hero is: "Let's go with Jesus. Not the gay-hating, war-making, political tool of the Right, but the outcast, subversive, supreme adept who preferred the freaks and lepers and despised and doomed the rich and powerful." We have turned Jesus into just that, our political tool.
In response to those bracelets everyone used to have what would Jesus do? I don't claim to know everything he would do but I do know he would love. Because that's what he does. And Jesus probably wouldn't ask questions when people said they needed help. He wouldn't be skeptical or try to judge them by the kind of phone they had or if they smoked a cigarette. He would probably just help. 

I believe Christians can be a part of any political party and have a wide range of convictions. I also understand that Christians come in all shapes and sizes and with different interpretations of the Bible. But I also hope as Christians we are all trying to strive to be like Christ and not like what we think "Christians" are because to be frank I'm not too crazy about what that looks like these days.