Poop or Get Off the Pot!

I am writing this blog because it bugs me when people call themselves Christians, but have no idea what they are talking about. You see the question all over Facebook, medical documents, personal profiles, etc. "What is your religious preference?" Most of us answer with "Christian". We might have a general concept of what Chrisitanity is, but do we really know the privilege that comes with being a Christian and the responsibility of acting like a Christian?

I liken the indecisiveness of professing that you are a Christian, but then acting polar opposite to "Poop or get off the pot". Either make a decision to be a REAL and AUTHENTIC Christian or don't. It drives me nuts when Christianity seems to get diluted or when someone makes a half-hearted profession without understanding the full concept of what they think they believe. So let me give you my point of view.

Christianity is not just a religion; it is about a lifestyle and a relationship. God created us to love Him and have a personal relationship with Him through His son Jesus. (John 3:16, Eph 2:4-5) Christianity is accepting the fact that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for our sins so that we could receive salvation and spend eternity in heaven. Let's try not to make that sound cliche'. Do you have any idea what He went through before He was resurrected? (I will attach a video, but it is not for the faint of heart. See link below) Being a Christian is about being "Christ"-like. It is about setting an example, setting yourself apart. How else will anybody know that you are "different"? Believe it or not, being a Christian is NOT just about believing in God. Many people and religions believe in God...or a god.

According to Wikipedia, a Christian is "one who professes belief in Jesus Christ and lives a lifestyle based on the life and teachings of Jesus." In 2007, the US did a survey and found there to be 5 typical Christian categories:

• Active Christians: Committed to attending church, Bible reading and sharing their faith that salvation comes through Jesus Christ. Usually in church leadership. (relationship-driven)
• Professing Christians: Also committed to accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, but focus on personal relationships with God and Jesus more than attending church, Bible reading or sharing the faith. (my side note-we need to have the fellowship of believers and the spiritual covering of the church)
• Liturgical Christians: High level of spiritual activity (notice the difference, it does not mention salvation), mainly expressed by attending and recognizing the authority of the church and by serving in it or the community. (appears to be works driven)
• Private Christians: Believe in God and doing good things (fyi...does not mention Jesus), but not within a church context.
• Cultural Christians: Do not view Jesus as essential to salvation. They are the least likely to align their beliefs or practices with Biblical teachings or to attend church. They favor a universality theology that sees many ways to God. (Obviously, we know there is only one way and one God. Honestly, this category should not even be in the "Christian" category since Christianity is about belief in The Christ. Keep in mind this is from a secular source.)

And then we have Hypocrites. This is when you claim to be a Christian, but your fruit does not show it. You go to church and then act another way when you get home. This is when I say, "Poop or get off the pot". Being a Christian is serious business. (No pun intended) It is better to be hot or cold than to be lukewarm. Would you like the Scripture reference for that?

So what type of Christian are you? I'm striving for "Active". What does Christianity mean to you? Here are a few responses:

• Matt Petroski -"Stripping away all the junk you think is you, but isn't"
• Bro. Rod -"The Love, Life and Laughter of Jesus"
• Elsie Spingath -"Knowing God, receiving His love and mercy through Jesus and acting in that love"
• Penny Bordelon -"Freedom"
• Johanna Triche -"Being like Christ"
• Van Bordelon -"To give of yourself freely and watch the impact that has on others"
• Courtney Sessions -"Accepting Jesus as your Savior and devoting your life to being a symbol to others of what Jesus is"
  Ronny Michel -"God pouring out all He is on all I'm not"
• Kim McGee -"Seeking out God and having a relationship"
• Rudy McGee -"Being like Christ"
• Staci Ojeda -"Being a reflection of Jesus"
• Rory Warren -"A relationship with God"

It is interesting to see everybody's different interpretations and point of views. So, back to the question: What is your religious preference? Now you can make an educated decision. Poop or get off the pot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzat9dx6v8k