I Was a Better Christian When I Wasn't Christian

[copenhagen]

One of the ironies that's struck me recently is that for much of my adult life I took little interest in Christianity or in attending church. As a matter of fact, those who proselytized and tried to recruit irritated, even angered me. I often tried to avoid them but when I couldn't, I occasionally argued with them but stopped since they enjoyed it so much assuming they had a foot in the door so to speak.

But during this time, I was so tolerant, perhaps even more "loving." Someone did drugs? Oh well, they made some bad decisions. I didn't think they were bad people. I wished them well and was optimistic that many would recover and overcome addiction. Gays? I just didn't care, as long as they didn't impose on me. Even when they were open about it, I didn't care enough to be terribly bothered by their behavior. Rock music? Yeah, I avoided the extreme stuff such as certain heavy metal acts, but listened to the rest of it with abandon.  Racists? Sure, they sucked, but I couldn't bring myself to hate them. I just assumed a certain percentage of the population had such sentiments. I accepted it.

 

Now that I am a Christian and given my life to Jesus and attend church and volunteer more than I have at any other point in my life, I get so frustrated and angry with sinners. Gay lifestyles really tick me off. They anger me. Drug addicts? I despise drugs and addiction. Sex and porn addicts? How could they?!? My level of tolerance has dropped off drastically. It's almost as if before I was far more empathetic and tried to understand their situation rather than blaming them. I find that much more difficult to do now. Also, of course, I am far more exacting with myself. I often nitpick the music I listen to, and scrutinize pop and rock song lyrics. If I eat too much (common) I get upset with myself. 

 

I'm obviously not giving up on being a Christian. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't give up my faith at this point. I'm certainly not going to give in to temptation and listen to crazy devil worshiping music. I won't indulge and eat as much or eat whatever I want, that's just not practical or healthy. But I feel more tense, more judgmental and in a sense more angry as a Christian than when I hadn't devoted my life to Christ. 

 

I'm not sure if I'm doing or thinking Christianity "the right way." I've listened to enough sermons and read enough of the Bible to be more  loving. But I feel stressed out trying to meet Christian standards and seeing others especially so-called fellow Christians openly flaunt their non-Christian behavior. 

If being Christian is supposed to bring peace, there's something I'm not doing right lol. 

Edited February 18, 2020 by copenhagen

[Omegaman 3.0]

Quote

I Was a Better Christian When I Wasn't Christian

Why do you think that is the case with you?

[R. Hartono]

A chance to repent n accept Jesus n live Godly, does God ask too much ?

[warrior12]

Well, if you are saved, that is born again, then you have to see that it by the grace of God and not of yourself.   You could try  to be the most holy person and still not be born again.  When you are born again, you now have the spirit of Christ residing within you, which you did not have when you were a carnal man.  Now you have to see that you were one of those persons  too and it is by the Grace of God that you were called into the kingdom.   This is where compassion and love for those who are lost has to find that place in your heart. Essentially, you have to be a soul winner, by your testimony to others.

This is the Christian.  One who know who he was before he was born again and lost.  He now strives to be a faithful servant of Christ and share his testimony, so that others would hear of the good news of salvation and where it is to be found.

The devil surely knowing that you are striving to obey the commandment of the word, would send his darts to upset and derail your  thoughts and thinking of reaching out to the lost and unsaved.  This is where staying the course  like " Christian" in John Bunyan classic " The Pilgrims Progress".  He faced the many myriads of obstacles in his travel to the celestial city, which is essentially the believer journey till he is called home.  The believers life in this world is tough, especially in these days, where the world are pointing fingers at him for his belief on a so called book in their eyes.   Yes, the time for testing of the believers faith in ways like never before is at the door step and are we ready.

There is nothing wrong in hating the sins that corrupt and keep men in bondage, but as believers, we have to get past those who are in bondage to those ills and sharing the gospel in meekness, where and whenever you can is part of the believers walk.   This, the Christian have to understand, that he is at war with the world, the flesh and the devil,  and it is a spiritual war.   When you fully come to that conclusion, you would be better prepared when you step out your door.   Ephesians 6:12 

[Not me]

12 minutes ago, copenhagen said:

@copenhagen

Hi, if I might put forth a few thoughts....

I think your right, it might be because light has come in now and you see right and wrong with a clearer eye, therefore your seeing yourself and your need in a clearer light....

But to what I did want to mention;  

Christianity is not doing things right.

Christianity is having a personal relationship with Christ which in turn will cause you to walk in righteousness. But the relationship comes first.

For through this relationship will the law be fulfilled in you but not by you....You are running well, you are in the school of Christ.. Be patient with yourself and with God as God shows you you...For seeing and knowing yourself and your constant need for His ever present help in all things is how one learns to walk by faith and not by sight... For all things come from God from and through the faith of the heart turned towards Him... For the just shall live by faith..Just don't lose heart, keep asking, seeking, knocking and the doors will be opened for you and this walking in newness of life you read about in scripture will be brought forth in your life....Give God time to work it in and out in your life....Our jobs are to seek His face and it sounds like you are doing your part to the best you know....Just don’t ever stop seeking His face and His face will  you surely see and know to a degree that will put a continual smile on your face and a joy in your heart no trial or tribulation or struggle can take away....

Be blessed as you learn Christ, for all good things await him who does..

Will be standing with you before the Throne of Grace that He might establish you in His love.

A fellow believer, Not me 

[Neighbor]

 

Perhaps there is a nugget  or two  within Paul's letter that may find application of value for today:

..."We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”  For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,  that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,  and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
    and sing to your name.”

 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
    and let all the peoples extol him.”

 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,
    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

 

[Firm Foundation]

When you were unsaved, you were at home in this corrupt world.  Now you are not.  Being tolerant of evil isn't more Christian.  Christians are vexed by the evil.

[BeauJangles]

I Was a Better Christian When I Wasn't Christian

what? 

[Salvation67]

@Not me You are truly a blessing to this forum brother, you always put things in perpective for me when you put it in perspective for others. I learn what Im doing wrong and understand what Im doing through your posts. Thanks

[Coliseum]

7 hours ago, copenhagen said:

One of the ironies that's struck me recently is that for much of my adult life I took little interest in Christianity or in attending church. As a matter of fact, those who proselytized and tried to recruit irritated, even angered me. I often tried to avoid them but when I couldn't, I occasionally argued with them but stopped since they enjoyed it so much assuming they had a foot in the door so to speak.

But during this time, I was so tolerant, perhaps even more "loving." Someone did drugs? Oh well, they made some bad decisions. I didn't think they were bad people. I wished them well and was optimistic that many would recover and overcome addiction. Gays? I just didn't care, as long as they didn't impose on me. Even when they were open about it, I didn't care enough to be terribly bothered by their behavior. Rock music? Yeah, I avoided the extreme stuff such as certain heavy metal acts, but listened to the rest of it with abandon.  Racists? Sure, they sucked, but I couldn't bring myself to hate them. I just assumed a certain percentage of the population had such sentiments. I accepted it.

 

Now that I am a Christian and given my life to Jesus and attend church and volunteer more than I have at any other point in my life, I get so frustrated and angry with sinners. Gay lifestyles really tick me off. They anger me. Drug addicts? I despise drugs and addiction. Sex and porn addicts? How could they?!? My level of tolerance has dropped off drastically. It's almost as if before I was far more empathetic and tried to understand their situation rather than blaming them. I find that much more difficult to do now. Also, of course, I am far more exacting with myself. I often nitpick the music I listen to, and scrutinize pop and rock song lyrics. If I eat too much (common) I get upset with myself. 

 

I'm obviously not giving up on being a Christian. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't give up my faith at this point. I'm certainly not going to give in to temptation and listen to crazy devil worshiping music. I won't indulge and eat as much or eat whatever I want, that's just not practical or healthy. But I feel more tense, more judgmental and in a sense more angry as a Christian than when I hadn't devoted my life to Christ. 

 

I'm not sure if I'm doing or thinking Christianity "the right way." I've listened to enough sermons and read enough of the Bible to be more  loving. But I feel stressed out trying to meet Christian standards and seeing others especially so-called fellow Christians openly flaunt their non-Christian behavior. 

If being Christian is supposed to bring peace, there's something I'm not doing right lol. 

Remember what Paul was saying in Romans 7? It is essential for the believer to understand it. When he was without the Law, he was alive. But when the Commandments were given, they made him aware of his sin, and he died because he couldn't obey the Law. When we are told not to do something, the sinful passions in us, "aroused by the law, were at work in our bodies so that we bore fruit for death." That phrase, "aroused by the law," is something Paul had to learn. When a law is put over us, we are prone to disobey it because of our sinful nature. When we are told, "Don't look at that pink elephant over there," it actually arouses, or heightens our desire to look at it. Before we were Christian, we did not know that. We sinned, but never understood it, or cared. So when Paul realized this, he said, 
"I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death." The Law puts us to death! Our very nature, when we know the Law is to disobey it. Stop trying to obey the Law. You can't. 
Thank God for Jesus Christ, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."

Edited February 18, 2020 by Coliseum