We hear a great many people proclaiming what “good Christians” they are these days and this begs the question, “are they?” And we should also ask “are we?” We all want to be good Christians, so how do we do that exactly?
Well, to be frank, if we judge harshly or if we boast, we are in effect, doing wrong — so if we boast that we’re right or that we know best when it comes to what makes a good Christian, in a sense, we aren’t really being one either — that’s what make it a fine line.
However, I do think that it behooves all faithful Christians to be very clear on what actions/deeds, words and thoughts are in direct conflict with the tenets of Christianity.
In Matthew 26:24, the Bible tells us:
“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
If a Christian say they that believe in Jesus or they claim to be “good Christians,” but then consciously speak and act in direct opposition to Christ’s teachings on how we are to act and live, then aren’t they betraying the Son of Man? When we harbor hatred, anger, selfishness and have a cold heart, then in reality, we are not living as Christ teaches us — and if we do so knowing full well that it is wrong, doesn’t that mean that in a sense, we are betraying Him?
I think a good way to look at it is that we do know better. We all know how we are commanded to behave and think, but we’re all fallible, so thus, not perfect and we make mistakes. The key is to genuinely try — to wholeheartedly want to be good and to live as Christ teaches. I think much of it comes in the effort we make and, what is in our hearts — if in our hearts we crave kindness and light, then that matters.
I believe the problem arises when Christians boast about how good they are, yet they live, act and speak in complete opposition to that claim — those who do are in effect, wolves in sheep’s clothing, who have twisted what is good and evil. For them, greed, envy and selfishness are good things and they now try to tell us that kindness, generosity and compassion are bad things. Everything seems upside down with these types of “good Christians.”
At the end of the day, no one can hide their true nature from God. God sees all and knows all, so it really does behoove all the self-proclaimed “good Christians” to bear that in mind.
