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And you call yourself a Christian?

Today at work during my lunch hour, I was making phone calls regarding my daughter’s childcare situation. As I phoned one daycare center after another, it seemed that each place quoted me a higher price than the other. I scribbled prices on a piece of paper that I had handy and I continued to call. One of my coworkers overheard me and she heard me repeat back the prices. She asked me why I did not apply for child care assistance for my daughter. I explained to her that I do not qualify for any type of assistance, unfortunately. Another coworker overheard and she proceeded to explain to me that the income guidelines were not as stringent as I may expect them to be; but, I abruptly stopped her and explained that my husband and I together do not qualify for any sort of state or government assistance.

 She appeared to be a little taken aback by my comment and she responded very slyly “Why would you even include your husband on the application? You alone can qualify for assistance with your five children.” I maintained a sense of collectiveness as I looked into her in her eyes. My response was very clear and extremely concise; I told her that I would not be applying for any assistance illegally because I have a higher authority to answer to.” Now she either ignored my reasoning or she didn’t even hear me but she continued. She said “No, you don’t understand, they don’t come out to your home and check; all you have to do is say you are a single parent and you can save hundreds of dollars.” I chuckled at her response. I wasn’t sure if I chuckled out of amusement or sheer frustration but I chuckled. I again, looked at her in her eyes and I said very clearly to her; this time without so much as a smirk on my face “No, you don’t understand; I am a Christian. I believe in God and His word. I follow the rules of the bible and I have a personal relationship with Him. It’s not just that I will not…I CANNOT lie. I refuse to block my blessings and I refuse to allow any room for the enemy to come into my life and wreak havoc. I am closing that door right now. I will legitimately do what is necessary to pay for my daughter’s care, even if it costs me a fortune.” She responded again; this time she said something to me that was not surprising but disheartening. She said and I quote “Well, I’m a Christian too; but I’m saying…you gotta do what you gotta do.” While I was still digesting her “ridiculous” words, the other coworker; the one who originally mentioned the issue to me, chimed in. She said “My pastor said we should follow the bible but we have to use wisdom too.” 

Okay, at this point, I admit that I was more than upset, I was angry.  In fact, I was infuriated but God continued to give me peace. I looked at the young woman who made the comment about her pastor and I responded “So in other words, follow the bible as need be and when convenient, just lie.” She became tongue-tied and tried to defend her pastor. She spoke in words that would under normal circumstances “clean up” the mess that was just spewed out of her mouth, but I admit, in my disgruntlement, I would not let her. I continued “Everyone is a Christian; almost everyone claims to be a Christian. Meanwhile, one foot is out the church and the other is in but Jesus said if you are lukewarm, I will spit you out. Tell me: How can I ask God to bless my finances and I’m stealing? How can I ask God to bless my marriage and I’m walking around lying and claiming to be a single parent? How can I ask God to heal me or do anything for me, when I’m living my life as if He does not exist?” 

Please people wake up! This makes no sense. I know; God never said we had to be perfect. In fact, that is why He created Jesus; because He knew we were far from perfect. We would all be dammed to Hell if not for the blood that Jesus shed for us at Calvary.  Most everyone understands that the first step in salvation is calling out to Jesus and asking for forgiveness. The second step is that we must believe in what Jesus did for us and ask Him into our heart. Does this mean that we must become “perfect” after these steps? Absolutely not; I am far from perfect and willing to admit it. I repent every single day of my life. However, repentance means “asking for forgiveness and then not committing the sin again.” We must get to a certain point in our lives and realize that nothing is more important than Jesus. Not saving a few bucks unethically, not earning a few bucks or a few hundred or even a few hundred thousand, illegally. No lie, no person, no nothing can replace the God that rules over my life. How about yours? Jeremy Camp said it best in his song “Just Give Me Jesus” 

When is everyone who claims to be a Christian going to own up to accountability? Is it because people don’t believe God is watching? Is it because people think God could care less? Or is it because people just know that God will forgive them? 

We do worship a God that is all-knowing. He sees everything. The bible says that God is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. The bible also tells us that God certainly cares. If He didn’t, he would not have sent His one and only son; to be sacrificed, nonetheless. And yes, God will forgive us. He always will for every sin, except one; but does this give us a reason to continually do the things we are not supposed to? 

I admit, I was angry, hurt, frustrated and concerned over my two coworkers who had not a clue of what it is to truly represent Christ and walk in holiness. But even sadder are that these two women represent approximately 90% of the Christian population. Which percentage are you in? Are you in the 90 or are you in the 10? 

If you are in the 90% claiming to be a Christian and live your life completely opposite, I am here to advise you of two things. I would like to first deliver a message to you. The message is “alignment.” God seeks to align all of his children so that he can make you parallel with the blessings He desires to pour out on you these days. Alignment is coordinating your life lined up with Him and His word so that you will not miss out. Do not take it for granted, God is doing a new thing. 

The second thing is that most people view Christians as hypocrites. Atheists, Muslims, Jews, Jehovah Witnesses, Wiccans and others continually mock us and do not take us seriously. While we should certainly not walk around with concern over what anyone thinks of us, we should indefinitely be carrying ourselves in a way that is pleasing in the eyes of Christ.