Reputation

Cambridge Dictionary: Ashamed to be embarrassed or guilty.

 ... I am not ashamed of the Gospel (Rom. 1:6)... but I am at times very ashamed of what is done in the name of Christianity.  I want to be very clear that there is a great distinction between religion, the label Christianity and being a follower of Christ. In the name of religion wars have started, residential schools were operated, judgments are handed out without consideration of the hurt and harm done because of them.  I could go on in great and detail but the point I wish to make would be lost in all of the dirt. 

Being a Christ follower on the other hand, calls for following the way of Christ who had tender compassion as Philippians 1:8 says. Jesus's call was to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Loving my neighbour as myself does not involve being rigid, self focussed, religious, self-righteous, judgmental or any of those other labels that plague Christians.

What will it take to change this reputation? If you've ever had to take some action to undo a reputation that you had, you would know that a single act or even a short series of actions does not create a new reputation. It takes consistency over time in a new behavior for others to believe a new truth about you. Ask anyone you know who is in in AA.  In fact those in AA never say they used to be an alcoholic they admit they are an alcoholic. Maybe followers of Christ need to admit they are ashamed that they are tied to the acts of Christianity but live an entirely New Life that shows the strength, joy and light of redemption. I think it's going to take a lot of loving action, a lot of Grace, and a lot of tender compassion for us to come to a place where we can admit a shameful past but stand in the victory of a new reality based on true love.   Maybe even a part of that changed behavior will be the process of making amends. I'm not going to get into that in this conversation but it is worth considering.

You may say: but the past is past. That's history! I had nothing to do with that. All I can say is that all those who call themselves Christ followers are painted with the same brush that has been applied to those who have stood in the name of Christ and behaved in ways that are completely ungodly. We are the ones you need to repair the reputation. What will you do and what will I do to share the love of Christ and His tender compassion with those who do not currently see it?  Can you love others wholeheartedly enough to admit that shame? Can you love them enough to be tender hearted? Can you love them enough to be full of grace and compassion? These are the signs Christ in you and in me. The bottom line is; others  know you are a follower Jesus by the love you have for them. (John 13:35). 

( Note: I have been greatly conflicted in considering this post for quite some time. I do not want to demean all Christians of the past, I know there are many you showed great love. The unfortunate and grievous fact remains that there was  and is much done in the name of Christ that continues to pain people today. It is well beyond the point in time where our reputation needs to be changed. May God help us Embrace this truth with shame and Grace.)