Tuesday, December 13, 2005

christians

Christians - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!


I was recently in a meeting where the topic was diversity. I personally do not take offense to this word nor file it simply under 'political correctness' like many these days. However, I realize Christians today certainly have a stigma that they do not accept others, have no tolerance, and judge unmercifully. (This was emphasized even more so by the reactions of others in the meeting to the Christian student group I sponsor on campus). Christians have done so much damage and created such distaste in unbelievers regarding our faith and our God. Unfortunately, we do a horrible job of representing the love of Christ that does not care where you have been and what you have done, but cares only for the fact that we too are sinners and only by the grace of God do we have the freedom to love others. We did nothing to deserve His grace, so why as Christians are we so proud? We too were lost once. Have we forgotten so soon?
God would not have created us with so many different personalities, experiences, and passions unless they could all be used for His purpose to enhance each others' lives, witness to others, and see the love of God through these differences.

2 comments:

Jason said...

Great post. I was on a paintball thread recently where a person was lamenting that he hates Christians around Christmas because they seem to be the ones cutting him off and telling him off. The Christians that replied jumped him and wanted to debate theology with him. I think the real Christ would have shown love and appologized for those that acted in his name.

Tammy said...

Perfect! I love it!