The following is a guest post by Nicole Davis. Nicole is a senior at Liberty University where she is pursuing a history degree. Her interests include political science and the conservative movement. She is a committed Christian, hoping to use the experiences God has given her to disciple others and build up the effectiveness of the church.
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One of the surface problems people seem to have with Christianity is the inconsistent behavior of Christians. The widespread hypocrisy among them is, I admit, unfortunately repulsive. People who are supposed to be mini-Christs are often found to be hurting their reputation rather than making it an inducement for proselytes. Indeed, people are not perfect, but serious Christians realize the need to be as Christ-like as possible. After all, what are disciples without their striving to exemplify their teacher?
I have concluded that one of the great errors of practice among Christians is that they misapply their focus in comparing themselves to lesser standards like their own pasts or the people around them. Yet with all this work, true contentment within the Christian life or attainment of that lofty goal is unsatisfying and impossible. Overcoming your faults or not making the same mistakes as others is somewhat admirable, but implementing the heart of Christ is much more to be desired. Jesus pronounced that “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”(Luke 12.34). If Christ were the treasure that Christians seek, they would be far better on their way to Christ-likeness than if they continue to seek self-betterment or one-upping their peers. The Psalmist said, “Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”(Psalm 37.4). This was not to mean that if you’re a good Christian then all your dreams will come true, but rather that Christ’s desires will become yours the more you seek after him. With God being the ultimate standard, his desires are undoubtedly a treasure worth discovering. Only in choosing to live in Christ will his followers find fulfillment both of their own emptiness and their calling. This is something that would indeed turn the world upside-down and compel other people to ask Christians the reason for the light of hope in them.
June 6, 2012 at 11:07
Excellent article, Nicole. The article reminds me of how we should all try to live. I offer an easy and fun read the offers principle to try to live by. The Travelers Gift, by Andy Andrews (no relation), offers seven principles. As Andy Andrews states, “principles work every time”. His newest book, How Do You Kill 11 Million People, offers another challenging principle. I recommend both titles to help Christians live like Christians.
June 6, 2012 at 15:39
I am a huge Andy Andrews fan! I haven’t read that newer book, but I look forward to it. Thanks for the recommendations and kind words!