I'm a Christian AND . . .

Something To Think About, Being a Christian:

"I'm a Christian but . . ." A video published by Buzzfeed has achieved that envied status of "going viral."  It features a winsome group of young adults finishing the statement, "I am a Christian, but . . ." and answering a couple of related questions. The obvious implication is that Christians are known for being homophobic, being close-minded, unaccepting, ignorant, uneducated, andthinking they are perfect.   The young people in the video identify as being fans of Beyonce, liking wine, and appreciating science.  They obviously want to be considered normal--not like those "crazy" Christians so often seen and heard in the media.  I'm four decades past being in the demographic of this video, but I identify with them, to a point.  Many of those who are identified as Christians, especially Christian leaders, are not people with whom I want to be identified.  In these daily musings I have identified many "Christians," so called, who are very poor examples of Christ-followers.  Among them are Westboro Baptist Church, leaders who hang "Rev." in front of their names but don't preach the Gospel, those who think "godliness is a means of gain," and often times me.  There are a lot of folk out there who I wish would take the bumper sticker off their cars.  The New Testament contains examples of the Apostle Paul, and others, in essence saying, "I'm a Christian but . . ." (here, here, & here)  Let me tell you two problems with the video--not only with the video, but with the view of Christianity that led to the viral-ity of the the little piece. The fact is the way of life that Jesus calls us to is counter cultural.  The early Christians were accused of being atheists, because unlike virtually everybody else in their world they refused to offer token worship to the gods of their place and time.  In a world consumed by conspicuous consumption, Jesus calls us to a life of laying up treasures in heaven.  All around us people are saying not only, "If it feels good do it."  but, "If it feels that good it can't be wrong."  Jesus, on the other hand says, "Take up your cross and follow me."  Yes, love is at the core Christianity, but love does not rhyme with "any thing goes." The video is far stronger in pointing out what Christianity isn't, from the viewpoint of the producers, than it is at making known what Christianity is.  One critic pointed out that Jesus is only mentioned one time.  Another observed a lack of anything about Christ's coming, or His death, or resurrection.  How different from the Apostle Paul, who, when he came to the hostile environment of Corinth, was "determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."  (1 Co 2:2)   I doubt that it will go viral, but how about this?   I'm a Christian, and I'm trying to live in obedience to God's word. It's STTA.   On this page there are multiple options.  All of them point to how we can have an ongoing relationship with our Lord.