Who’s Damned?

Recently there’s been an onslaught on my social media of people sharing the quote “No matter what anyone else thinks of me, God knows my heart and that is all that matters.”   Really?

For a moment let’s discuss this from the point of view of someone who does not claim to be a devout Christian, but someone who believes in God and the miracles He is capable of.   As I’ve said before I think as individuals we are entitled to choose our deity and march on.   Christians’  proclaim their faith and are willing to openly share their beliefs.   Hoping to share them with enough conviction to cause other individuals to explore their spirituality and choose to model themselves in the Christian faith.  I think this is awesome.   I’ve met many people who are Christians and have been inspired by them and regretful I did not have the same relationship with God.   They were passionate, glowing with an inner beauty, and inspirational.

So, before I go further, please realize I have no problem with religion.   I respect and admire those who are committed to their beliefs.  I know they stand on the power of God, day in and day out.   I also realize, no matter our convictions, we all sin.   Many Christians strive to do better, realizing their sins, moving forward, and often sharing their stories, hoping to help others.

However, I have trouble reconciling myself to those who claim to be devout Christians and each time you see them or hear from them, there is nothing to indicate their faith except the words they share on a social platform.   In most instances the social post is a reaction to a situation or encounter they experienced on the day of the post.   Often a “shout out” to someone they interacted with.  If you notice many of the things they “like” on others’ pages are the negative and drama laden posts.  Most often they’re not offering words of encouragement, just feeding the negative.  These interactions and reactions cause me to raise an eyebrow.  I feel many of us seeking answers pay close attention to the interactions of those who profess to have found the answer with God.

My mom continues to wear her knees out praying for me and the rest of my family.   She is the one of faith in our tight knit group and she sets an example in her kindness and interactions with people.   The proof of her ongoing commitment is obvious anytime you mention her name.  She rocks.  She and I recently had an open conversation regarding people who seemed to only show their faith by social postings; I told her if these were the people Heaven would be filled with I wasn’t particularly interested in being there.

After a deep breath she told me she had heard the statement before and I should not let the actions of others determine my fate or faith.   She encouraged me to do the research I was so fond of, so I did.   Let me share some things with you.

God says we should care what others think, but we must seek to please God over people.  Often people err in seeking to prove to people they don’t care what they think only what God thinks.  So, have they turned from what God really wants?   The Bible does not place emphasis on Christians not caring about what people think, it places emphasis on Christians pleasing God.

Scripture found in Galatians 1:10 says pleasing God should be most important but according to Colossians 4:5-6 the scripture indicates that God also cares how you show yourself to the world.  Of course, if your motivation is correct and you are honoring God.   Caring what others think of you can help you care about people.   While a Christian should not fear what others think of them, it’s important not to go out of the way to make sure everyone is aware of it.

In Colossians 4:3-6 Paul says to live carefully amongst non-believers so you can make the most of every opportunity to proclaim the gospel.  To do this successfully, you have to care a little about others opinion of you.  Perhaps, a Christian should seek to present themselves in the best light possible not to please people, but to please God.  Maybe they could show through their joy what they have found in their faith and influence others to seek God as well.

I’m not a minister and I am not anywhere close to an expert on biblical text, but I am on the outside looking in.   If I notice the difference in a joyful, loving person, I know others must as well.   I’m not saying the social posting zealot is not a good person, but perhaps they should examine their presentation.  Most often they are the first to point out others failing ways, perhaps they should examine their reflection and ask themselves how are they inspiring those around them?   While every Christian and every non-Christian fail daily, just maybe they could offer encouragement instead of disdain.

I am thankful for those I have the privilege to come in contact with who encourage and inspire others.  Those who distress me and others, not so much.  And don’t think for one moment I think living and displaying your faith is an easy venture in today’s world.   Just remember people are looking and taking note, they may be searching for their faith.  Some of us you may take to Hell with you and others may choose to look towards the joyful soul for inspiration to become a better person.

SGHR