Christians as a Bad Example
Why in the world would God use people who on their best days are flawed to spread the gospel, and on their worst days are horrible representatives of the message?
This question resonates deeply with many who have encountered Christians as a bad example. Perhaps you have experienced someone, maybe even yourself, who fell short of embodying what Jesus should mean to us.
Such encounters can lead some to say things like, “If that's what a Christian looks like, I want no part of it.” Some may even say, “I used to be a Christian, but I left that whole thing. Too many hypocrites.”
The Bible is pretty transparent about how flawed we are. For example, there's a guy named Demas who was said to be a fellow worker in the gospel along with the Apostle Paul and other disciples. Undoubtedly, he was known for his faithful stand. But then while Paul was nearing his execution, Demas abandoned him.
In what may have been his final letter, the Apostle Paul says that Demas was in love with this present world. That had to raise big questions for many.
And there are many others. Abraham was sometimes deceptive. Elijah struggled with depression. Moses had a speech problem. David committed adultery and murder. Peter denied Christ three times. And Paul persecuted Christians before becoming one himself.
So what are we to make of this? And how do we move forward when those we would love to reach can find many reasons not to believe?
In the end, God is showing that his work is not dependent on human strength or perfection. Instead, it is his power that accomplishes his will. So here are a few thoughts.
We are all deeply flawed and will be until we are with Jesus. Yet God will move the kingdom forward and save the lost. He will find and rescue his children.
This certainly does not mean that we shouldn't pursue holiness. It's just that nothing can ultimately defeat God's rescue. Often God works in spite of us rather than because of us.
Second, it's God who saves when the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the sinner to the beauty of the gospel. We may be the messenger and we should want to exemplify our Savior, but our message is, “Look to Jesus”, not, “Look to me.”
Third, we must know that while God has purpose in our witness, faith may come later. Our role is to share our hope in Jesus and pray for those we encounter. We are to be faithful servants, right?
And last, we don't need to be hypocrites in our conduct and put on a false piety. We can admit our failures. God loves us even though we struggle.
As those who are saved by the kindness of God, we can actually diminish the story of his love if we pretend to be perfect.
So what do you do when objections come your way? Share the gospel, pray that God would save, love as Jesus loved you.
Success in God's kingdom does not depend on human qualifications or perfection, but on God doing what he loves to do, save the lost.
Jesus, you are the one who loves to save the helpless and the lost. I'm sorry that sometimes I put my hope in the messenger. Thank you that my limitations do not ultimately hinder your work. Please cause me to trust you and keep my eyes on you.
I'll leave you with this simple verse from Ezekiel 34:11.
For this is what the Sovereign Lord says, I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.
Song: Holy Forever