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...appoint or become the "leaders" of our faith when they possess the aforementioned characteristic.
...think the Gospel is something to be sold instead of lived.
...point fingers when they're just as much a sinner as the next guy.
[Guilty as charged]
I guess it's one of the things I can't stand about myself...
For example, when it comes to curse words. It's not so much the actual words but the meaning behind them. I am reminded of a lady which I consider a fanatic that will use words such as "FUDGE!!" or "HOLY COW" to replace their commonly used curse words. But the intent is the same is it not? She may feel all righteous that she is "not cursing" but she is.
Language doesn't bother me in the way the Ned Flanders of the world take it.
Especially when we consider that language changes with time and what some "goody tochoos" consider to be clean language today was vulgar/curse words a few decades ago.
Or people who supplement words for others and think that is good - ala - using the word 'fudge' instead of its real word.
What matters is one's heart when speaking. Intent. Meaning.
First example: Betty Sue attends church four times a week. Doesn't use current day curse words but substitutes common day ones with "fudge", "stink", "bull", etc etc..
Betty Sue thinks she is so holy and so unlike those heathens in her office that use the actual words.
Too bad Betty Sue doesn't realize that the use of words isn't the problem but the intention and meaning behind them.
Second example:
John Smith is repulsed when he hears his fellow co-workers talking about the latest R rated movie. Or perhaps even the porno they just watched on the Internet. Or how they talk about the girl in marketing.
John Smith thinks he is such a good Christian because he makes sure not to watch rated R movies and or speak about other females.
Yet John Smith on his drive home notices the woman waiting for the bus at the stop and for one second thinks, "wow, she is hot!"
Too bad John Smith just sinned exactly the same way his "heathen" co-worker buddies did.
I could give example after example, I did a series of sermons on this topic a year ago and it really hit home with me. I always tell the congregation that when I preach, I am primarily preaching to myself because before it is ever meant for anyone else it is meant for me. We're all in the same boat.
We have sins of omission and sins of commission - both are equally wrong and problematic. But in our Christian era, we have scores of people who think they are so good and or better than those that are not saved or act like "the world".
Sorry for the rant..
...care more about being right than loving those they disagree with the most.
i know it drives me crazy because i am so often guilty of both.
...put divisive bumper stickers on their car or signs in front of their church that only serves to drive a wedge between people who need God and the church.
...argue with people about things that just don't matter!
...forget that they are on the same team.
...tip poorly
...wear "Christian" t-shirts that are knock-offs of pop culture
...settle for less than their best and excuse it because it's for the church
...focus more on their needs in the church rather than the needs of the hurting world around them
...feel they have to start their own sub-culture versions of everything (GodTube, MyChurch) rather than speaking truth to the culture where they're at
I could obviously go on and on. Great conversation starter!
Brad Ruggles
www.bradruggles.com
...make crappy music.
...fake cool.
...don't give.
...don't tip.
...twist Scripture to fit their need.
Hello Bill, thank you for coming to meet with me Bill, and Bill, I'd like to give you this gift card Bill.
As a youth pastor, there are days my "family members" TOTALLY need a kick in the face. But I am reminded that I am still a sinner, saved by God, and called to bring about the kingdom of God today, in the world.
So, Christians drive me crazy when they "retire" from ministry because they are "done" to which I say, "No, you are not, but if you must go, pray and do not be an idiot with your words. Otherwise, let's work together."
I'm not a perfect Christian and we all make mistakes, but i'm just sayin...that bugs me.
(Seriously. I had a lady do just that at my bank, because "We're in America and speak engligh here." Then proceeded to cash her own check which had a bible verse on it.)
um... what happen to free will?
"Heavenly Father, I know You know that this week my best friend from TinyTown, Virginia called me and she told me that her cousin was going through a rough time at work Heavenly Father, and I know that you already know the need there, but I wanted to bring it to You here tonight as her cousin is really having a hard time with XYZ and XYZ and ......... Heavenly Father ...................................................................................................................................."
Christians who are strong in their beliefs at home and at church, but not out in the world. Do not be ashamed!!
But although these things may bug me a bit personally, I will pray for all of us to be strong and courageous and to grow instead-- we all have our weaknesses and fall short, and God doesn't want us to tear each other down and criticize each other, but to build each other up instead.
when they put church before God
stupid freaking bumper stickers
use God as an excuse
So, we *could* re-title this, "Jesus' wife drives me crazy when she..."
...focuses on all the things that are wrong with herself(?)
Oh, and when they wear ugly Christian t-shirts.
Those bug me so much. It's avoiding the bigger picture and condensing Jesus to a couple of sayings that people say to make themselves feel better.
ie homosexuals, liberals, ect
ugh, I shouldn't have read these, they ALL make me mad!
(that was sort of a piggy back off of vince's earlier comment.)
oh, and leadership conferences. I go to them, love them - think they are essential. but the whole self improvement, be a better leader thing drives me nuts... makes me feel like some weird finatic. so who's going to unleash? see you there. :-D
(sorry!)
Or, on the other side of the spectrum, believe that grace isn't sufficient
I am guilty of both. It's such a difficult balance.
...talk about how wonderful "Christian films" are.
Love the family in this time....