What non-Christians Think

When the term “Christian” is used in secular circles, what is the first thing that comes to their minds?  Here are a few I’ve heard, read or even personally experienced:

1. Selfish, Not really interested in others
   
2. Self-centered and judgmental
   
3. Unwilling to develop true friendships with non-Christians
   
4. Hypocritical
   
5. Old-fashioned
   
6. Too involved in politics

In fact, only about 3% of 16 to 29 year-old non-Christians express favorable views of evangelicals.

What did Jesus himself say was the greatest of all the commandments?  I’ll give you a hint if you are not sure or maybe you have been told falsely before now.  

Matthew 22:37-40
English Standard Version (ESV)

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Now, why would approximately only 97% of non-Christians have such a negative view of Christians?  May I suggest to you it is because Christians are disobedient to the teachings of Jesus Christ?

Christians spend so much of their time and money on the issues the world has no clue (nor do many Christians) how a Christian is supposed to live their life like.

I know many will argue; “yea but… the Bible says we are to stand up for the truth and what is right and honorable to God…”  Sure!  I would say they would be 100% correct.  However, I would remind them what Jesus said was more important than the issues!

Imagine, what the world would be like today if Christians valued this commandment MORE than the issues.  All of a sudden, the issues wouldn’t be.

Who are the unlovable in your life today?  Is it that friend who you’re mad at?  Maybe it is your in-laws who you are dreading to see this holiday season.  Or possibly it is your siblings who are unsupportive of your faith in Christ.  Do they see Christ’s love in you?

Will you take a moment right now and ask yourself; “when people find out that I am a Christian, do they think of me as one of those six points above?”  If you feel the answer is yes, will you decide right now to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind?