As Christians, we’re told that we’re supposed to witness to the world, and as children, we’re taught to stand up for our faith even if we encounter opposition. But are we going about it in the right way?
Sadly, in this day and age, “Christianity” has become synonymous with intolerance, judgmentalism and hypocrisy. Though some may decry this as unfair stereotypes, I think most of us are guilty of perpetuating this image to some degree. Which of us haven’t given someone a disapproving look for doing something “unsanctioned” on Sabbath or labelled someone as “unspiritual” for watching a particular movie or TV show?
In High School, I tried to show others Jesus by exemplifying “model Christian” behaviour. I made it a point to never swear and always make sure people knew how I kept the Sabbath and didn’t watch or listen to questionable media. I thought that by doing this, I could “be a good influence” and bring people to God that way. However, eventually I realized that this approach was causing people to distance themselves from me, the opposite of what I had been intending.
I think too often we Christians get caught up in “trying to be a witness”, trying to help Jesus shine through us (as if He needs it). In trying to be light, we become a harsh fluorescent glare that makes people squint and turn away instead of a warm glow that pulls people to Jesus.
In recent months the name, Israel Folau, has risen to fame as a controversial talking point concerning religious issues in Australia. The 30-year-old rugby player gained notoriety for an Instagram post claiming that several groups, including gays, were destined for hell, which led to the termination of his contract by Rugby Australia. Folau hit back, claiming his right to freedom of speech, saying, “the Christian faith has always been a part of my life, and I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God’s Word…”[1] Though much of the controversy surrounding Folau has centred around freedom of speech and religious freedom, the repercussions of his actions reach much further. Folau’s version of Christianity uses condemnation and the threat of hell to try to scare people into becoming Christians and force them to accept the Christian lifestyle.
While I do believe that God establishes clear bounds of right and wrong in the Bible, trying to bend others to our code of ethics is not what Jesus calls us to do. Not only is it ineffective, it’s also an exhibit of the stereotypical judgmental Christians as portrayed in the media. This approach drives people away from the church and leaves them jaded about anything to do with religion or God. In all of the “trying to reach people” by preaching at them about what they need to change in their lives, we forget one very important thing: in His nature, God is love. Therefore, the only true way to show God is to show love.
In John 13:35, Jesus says to his disciples, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
It’s not our job to change people. That responsibility belongs to God alone. We can’t make a difference in people’s lives by standing outside of their situations and barking orders about their wrong doings. What we can do, however, is meet them where they are and show them the love that Jesus has shown us. How would the name of Christianity change if we became known for loving and supporting single mothers, members of the LGBTQ-A community, minorities and other marginalized groups? What if people turned to us when there was no one else, instead of avoiding us for fear of being judged? Instead of being driven away, they might become captivated by the love of Jesus.
[1] www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpXwQzDwxQ
AUTHOR: Caitlin Jankiewicz, attends Castle Hill SDA Church.