Today’s lesson is about the views of American Christianity or in other words what it means to carry your cross. I want to share an image that a friend shared on social media. Then the discussion led to American Christianity and the “evils” that can be there. I do have to say it was one of the most respectful, caring conversations between people I have had. I truly love and respect my friends especially through a difficult conversation.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorial-cartoon/2018-02-24-editorial-cartoon

When I talk to people about Christianity, many equate it with guns, discrimination, or hatred, or any of a number of things that are negative. Some, group all Christians together, but scream when you group all Muslims together. Christianity at its core is recognizing that we as people are sinners and through our belief in Jesus, we are forgiven and can join the father. Nothing in there, talks about weapons or discrimination or hatred for others. This struggle is part of what being a follower of Christ is. Also as people we are sinners. (Call that being broken or anything you want). We can’t fathom what or who God is. We can’t understand his Word nor the power that he has. We try our best and fail at times. We have so many branches of Christianity that proclaim to be the right one. To me, if we follow the commandments of Love God and Love People (yes that’s trimmed down), we will have everlasting life. We understand what the bible says and how to be faithful followers. When friends talk about American Christianity, they speak of those who, in my opinion, don’t follow Christ. They use their belief to discriminate, to hate, and to sin. To me, they are no different than radical Islamic terrorists who used the name of Allah or the Islamic Faith to commit horrendous acts of violence.

“Hatred stirs up conflict,
    but love covers over all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Mark 8:34

Being a Christian is hard. Being faithful to something bigger than you, something that is ununderstandable by man, something that is not in the social narrative is hard. (This doesn’t take away from the struggles of other groups). When Jesus says “take up your cross”, he doesn’t mean a physical stick. As Pastor Wirsing told us today, that means you have to drag and suffers for your faith and ultimately to crucifixion. It means you will die eventually but have eternal salvation. I have no doubt in my mind that many people are Christian in name only. They go to Church, walk the motions, and talk the talk, but don’t live a Christian life. I try but fail. I am a sinner and through forgiveness and grace, I am saved.

Are you willing to carry your cross? Are you willing to share the Gospel? Are you willing to have those difficult but respectful conversations with those around you?

I am (with the help of God).

#56of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney