“That’s not very Christian!”
No shortage exists of distinct opinions about Jesus, His followers, and their behavior. Co-workers, commentators, and commoners alike regularly revert to the trusty argument, “That’s not very Christian!” to render assessment of authentic faith. How ironic. Those enunciating Christian standards are often themselves, not Christians. Ones who intentionally choose to reject the faith, retain the right and responsibility to judge those who do.
Rarely, if ever, do you hear a similar indictment against Judaism, Buddhism, or Hinduism. Apparently, there is a different set of rules. I am yet to hear, “That’s not a very Atheist thing to do!” For fervent nonbelievers, it seems there are no rules.
In the interest of full disclosure, I stipulate two facts. First, I profess to be a born-again, Bible-toting, praying Christian. Second, if one takes God’s Word seriously, there is indeed a Christian ethic. I could quote a stack of Scripture on the subject. Let’s not sugarcoat it; Christians are to believe and behave according to the model of Jesus. The bar is set high. In my feeble case, thank God for what Scripture calls, “the Spirit of grace”.
Fair or not, Christians are scrutinized and held to a stricter standard. If you choose to be overt about your allegiance to Jesus; you have drawn a bullseye on your back. He told us it would be this way.
We believers need to get our act together and live right. If you goof; repent and own up. Second, next time someone scoffs, “That’s not very Christian”, permit me to offer a tart reply. “I’m glad you have an interest in the faith. For me to be, as you say, ‘very Christian’, I am commanded to share my faith. Shall we right now look into God’s Word about what it means for you to be a Christian?”
I suspect they will change the subject.