Throughout life I have observed many times that people view Christianity as something for “needy”, “weak Minded”, or “ignorant” people. In fact several years ago, former governor of Minnesota Jessie Ventura remarked, “Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people.” Why do people have this idea about Christianity? Could it be that we who claim to be Christians enable the idea? How do we enable it? In my last Thursday Thought, I said one way is by our lack of using reasoning. Another way is the focus of our communication. There have been many times in my life that I have observed in others and myself negative attitudes being verbalized. Sometimes things don’t go exactly the way we think they should. During those times it’s easy to tell everyone the details of our problems striving to gain sympathy or support. What this does is undermine what we say we believe as Christians. We say we believe that God: will provide all of our needs (Philippians 4:19), will protect us (Psalm 121), will give us peace (Romans 15:33), is faithful (I Corinthians 1:9), heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3), cares about us and that we are valuable to Him (Matthew 6:26). I too believe this! However, when we begin complaining and being negative about the situations we are in, it tells others that we really don’t believe what we say we believe. That is “weak minded!” If we truly believed, we would say as Paul said in Philippians 4:10-13 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Instead of being negative and critical when a challenge comes our way, let’s ask ourselves what we can learn from the situation and give it to God! I Peter 5:7 (NLT) says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Maybe… if we began to believe and praise God all the time and not complain it would give people a different idea of Christianity. Philippians 4:4 (Amplified) says, “Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!” As we rejoice in Him, people will inquire about the reason we have hope. 1 Peter 3:15 (The Message) “Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.” Remember that our attitudes and our faith are contagious! Let’s make ours worth catching!
If you are a Christian and you are struggling with a negative attitude let me encourage you to ask God’s forgiveness. The negative attitudes are a red flag of something deeper that is wrong (Matthew 15:18 “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.”) God will forgive you and He WILL help you! Life is short and eternity is way too long for any of us to get caught up into an attitude of bitterness and negativity.
Let’s change the focus of our communication this week! May God bless you this week! I look forward to seeing you in church this Sunday!
Because of HIS AMAZING GRACE!
Pastor Myron
0 Responses to “Losers for Jesus? – Part II”