“Bunch of Phonies”

One of the harshest indictments against church-going Christians today is that we’re just a “bunch of phonies.” Non-believers and those who rebel against “organized religion” have gone so far as to say that the church itself is the problem with our society. So let’s keep it real…

With scandal after scandal coming out of Christian churches, it’s no wonder we are looked at with scorn. Sexual abuse at the hands of church leaders has driven away the masses. Church leaders taking child brides, practicing homosexuality, womanizing, and committing other sexually charged offenses have also helped to empty the pews. In addition, church-sponsored demonstrations that seem to be fueled by hate and fear along with physically violent and fatal attacks against those with opposing views and practices leave a negative impression in the minds of many. And even individually, many believers struggle with interpersonal relationships and family problems that may make their Christian walk seem less than genuine.

When we call ourselves Christians, we identify ourselves as followers of Christ. As such, there is a very reasonable expectation that we should then follow His example. Too often, we miss the mark. But how can we, who are sinful, truly imitate the example of He who lived a life without sin?

Jesus made it very easy. In John 13:34, He says simply, “Love one another.”

Our goal as Christians should never be merely the appearance of holiness—that’s phony religion. That was the very thing that Christ found most detestable in the Pharisees and Sadducees during His ministry on earth. As Christians, we need to take on an internal holiness that begins with love for each other. As Jesus went on to say in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples [followers], if you love one another.”

Love is not easy—it requires sacrifice. It may mean giving up some of our own time, resources, strength, and even our emotional defenses in order to let people know how much we truly love and care for them. It also means having the spiritual maturity to refrain from certain things to avoid hurting those around us. And while there are many things in this sinful world that we as Christians can stand against, we must always keep in mind to hate the sin, but love the sinner.

Real Christians Love.