What's With You And The Cross?

I was taken aback this past week when someone made an unusual comment after I changed my Face book profile picture (which I often do.) The picture I'm referencing is the one above. The comment was, "About this new picture, with the cross. Are you trying for sainthood?" Two days after that comment I was sent another impolite question by the same person but this time it came through a private instant message which read, " What's with you and the cross?? Have you joined some New Wave religious group?" Needless to say, I cannot think what would incite a person to ask such a question because of the above picture when that person has known me for 31 years and I've never been shy about my faith. The negative context and logic used lack spiritual incite. I know many Christians experience unprovoked attacks both verbally and physically on a daily basis. Some are severe and brutal. It comes with the territory, "If the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18). So in this blog today I will attempt to help clarify WHO I am, WHO WE ARE as believers in Christ Jesus and as members of the Body of Christ; His Church Body. In no way do we "try" for sainthood.

The Church is not made up of people who believe they are better than others, but rather it is made up of those who realize that they should be better than they are and must continually strive to do better (Philippians 3:12-16).

The Church is not made up of perfect people, but people who realize they are following a perfect Lord and therefore must do the very best they can (1 Peter 2:18-22; 1 Peter 1:13-16).

The Church is not made up of people who never make mistakes, but those who often acknowledge their mistakes and then forsake them (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13).

The Church is not trying to withdraw from everyone, but rather to draw everyone into its fellowship and love and encourage them to walk in the light where God the Father and Christ the Son are found (1 John 1:3-7).

The Church is not trying to set up arbitrary rules to hinder anyone, but rather to show the rule of Christ which helps everyone (Gal. 6:14-16; Philippians 3:7-16).

The Church is not trying to take the joy out of your life; it is trying to put real joy into every life it touches (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; 1 Peter 4:13).

The Church is not trying to separate you from your money; it is trying to keep your money from separating you from God (1 Timothy 6:6-10; Proverbs 10:22).

The Church is not trying to become the master of your life, but is trying to get you to master yourself (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

The Church is not trying to rob your life of priorities but is trying to allow you to put real priorities in your life (Matthew 6:33).

The Church is not discouraged simply because you miss service regularly but is fearful that you will miss heaven completely (Hebrews 10:23-31).

True Christians know they cannot earn, gain, obtain, or work for sainthood so that they might enter eternal rest in heaven. There is absolutely nothing we could ever do to acquire sainthood or earn eternal life. Nobody can! We are simply not good enough, "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, NOT a result of works, so that no one may boast" Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul said in Romans 5:16 “… For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins." Sainthood (if you want to use that term) IS A FREE GIFT made possible by Jesus Christ and available to anyone who believes it, accepts it and is baptized into the faith based on biblical principals.

It is truly disheartening to think that posting any kind of a picture expressing faith in God would incite the response it did. My wish is that Christians and non-Christians alike will carefully examine the list above. As a follower of Christ I do not take the points I made above lightly.

Until next time,
-Pat-