There’s been much discussion in the church and outside of it about the label of Christianity, but what does the term really mean to people around the world? Some Christians are often confused about God and the Christian life as is depicted in today’s society. The word Christian is associated with many things that many non-Christians and even many Christians incorrectly believe. This look at the common misconceptions of Christianity will dismiss some of the myths that typically hinder new Christians from growing and maturing in the faith. Once you become a Christian, you should…
Always feel close to God- As a new
Christian, you may feel very close to God. Your eyes have just been opened to a
brand new, exciting life with God. You should be prepared for dry seasons in
your walk with God. They are bound to come. A life-long walk of faith requires
trust and commitment even when you don't feel close to God. In Psalm 63:1 (ERV), David expresses sacrifices of praise to God in the
midst of spiritual times of drought: “God, you are my God. I am searching so hard to find you. Body
and soul, I thirst for you in this dry and weary land without water.”
Become loving and perfect -It doesn't take
very long to discover this isn’t true. But being prepared to meet the
imperfections and failures of your new family in Christ can spare you future
pain and disillusionment. Although Christians strive to be like Christ, you
will never obtain complete sanctification until you stand before the God in
Heaven.
In fact, God uses our imperfections to mature us in our faith.
If not, there would be no need to another. As
you learn to live in harmony with our new family; you rub each other like
sandpaper. It's painful at times, but the result brings about a spiritual
smoothing and softening to our rough edges. “Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each
other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others
because the Lord forgave you.”Colossians
3:13 (ERV)
Believe bad things will never happen to you- Often Christians begin to wrongly believe that if they live
a godly Christian life, God will protect them from pain and suffering. Paul, a
hero of the faith, suffered much: “Five times the Jews have given me their punishment of
39 lashes with a whip. Three different times I was beaten with rods. One time I
was almost killed with rocks. Three times I was in ships that were wrecked, and
one of those times I spent the night and the next day in the sea. In my constant
traveling I have been in danger from rivers, from thieves, from my own people,
and from people who are not Jews. I have been in danger in cities, in places
where no one lives, and on the sea. And I have been in danger from people who
pretend to be believers but are not.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (ERV)
Some faith groups believe the Bible promises health
and prosperity for all who live a godly life. This
teaching is false. Jesus never taught this to his followers. You may experience
these blessings in your life, but they are not a reward for godly living. At
times you experience tragedy, pain, and loss in life. This is not always a result of sin as some would
claim, but rather for a greater purpose that you may not understand immediately.
You can trust God in difficult times, and know he has a
purpose. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to
endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to
show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies
gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than you could ever imagine.
Believe God will always solve all your problems- Many
new Christians are shocked when the first serious crisis hits. Here's a reality
check. Get prepared because the Christian life is not always easy. You will
still face ups and downs, challenges and joys. You will have troubles
to overcome. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (ERV) offers encouragement for Christians facing
difficult situations: “My friends don’t be surprised at the
painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t
think that something strange is happening to you. But you
should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy
and full of joy when Christ shows his glory. “
Believe ministers and missionaries are more spiritual than
other Christians-This is a subtle but persistent misconception that believers
carry in their minds. Because of this false idea, you end up putting ministers
and missionaries on "spiritual pedestals" accompanied by unrealistic
expectations. When one of these heroes falls from your self-constructed perch,
it tends to make you fall too away from God. Don't let this happen in your
life. You may have to continually guard yourself against this subtle deception.
Paul, Timothy's spiritual father, taught him this truth that we are all
sinners on an equal playing field with God and each other: “Here is a true statement that should be accepted
without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am
the worst of them. 16 But
I was given mercy so that in me Christ Jesus could show that he has patience
without limit. Christ showed his patience with me, the worst of all sinners. He
wanted me to be an example for those who would believe in him and have eternal
life. “1Timothy 1:15-16 (ERV)
Feel safe in church where everyone can be trusted-Although
this should be true, it is not. Unfortunately, you live in a fallen world where
evil resides. Not everyone who enters the church has honorable intentions, and
even some who do come with good intentions can fall back into old patterns of
sin.
One of the most dangerous places in Christian churches, if
not properly guarded, is the children's ministry. Churches that don't implement
background checks, team-led classrooms, and other security measures, leave
themselves open to many dangerous threats. “Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your
enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack and
eat. “1 Peter 5:8 (ERV)
Give up all fun and follow a life of rules- A
joyless existence of mere rule-following is not true Christianity and the
abundant life God intends for you. Rather, this describes a man-made experience
of legalism. God has amazing adventures planned for you. Romans 14:16-18 (ERV) give
a description of what it means to experience God's life: “Don’t allow what is
good for you to become something they say is evil. In God’s kingdom, what we eat and
drink is not important. Here is what is important: a right way of life, peace,
and joy—all from the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ by
living this way is pleasing God and they will be accepted by others.”
Not associate with unbelievers- I
am always saddened when I hear so-called "seasoned" believers
teaching this false notion to new Christians. Yes, it is true that you may have
to break off some of the unhealthy relationships you have had with people from
your past life of sin. At least for awhile, you may need to do this until you
are strong enough to resist the temptations of your old lifestyle.
Jesus, our example, made it his mission (and ours) to
associate with sinners. How will you attract those who need a Savior, if you
don't build relationships with them? “To those who are weak, I became weak so that I could
help save them. I have become all things to all people. I did this so that I
could save people in any way possible. I do all this to make the Good News known. I do it
so that I can share in the blessings of the Good News.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ERV)
Not enjoy earthly pleasures- I
believe God created all of the good, wholesome, enjoyable, and fun things you
have on this earth as a blessing for us to enjoy. The key is not holding on to
these earthly things too tightly. You should grasp and enjoy
your blessings with our palms held open and tilted
up. “And (Job) said,
‘When I was born into this world, I was naked and had nothing. When I die and
leave this world, I will be naked and have nothing. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord’.” Job
1:21(ERV)
Not say anything that might offend or hurt someone's
feelings- Many new believers
have a wrong understanding of meekness and humility. The idea of godly meekness
involves having strength and courage, but the kind of strength that is submitted
to God's control. True humility recognizes complete dependence upon God and
knows you have no goodness in yourself except that which is found in Christ.
Sometimes our love for God and our fellow Christians, and obedience
to God's Word compel us to speak words
that may hurt someone's feelings or offend them. Some people call this tough
love. “You can trust what
your friend says, even when it hurts. But your enemies want to hurt you, even
when they act nice.” Proverbs
27:6 (ERV)
“Being a Christian demands constant progression not perfection.” (2become/tumblr)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“7 Misconceptions about
Christianity” by
“10 Common Misconceptions about Christian Life” by
·
Mary Fairchild
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