Do most Christians work at it?

Question

I hear many (not all, please realize I know that) Christians on here excusing their behavior for many things because they say they are not perfect, and that's why Jesus was sent, but it seems they are things within their control, like telling people they are going to hell, or other similar nasty unnecessary things.

Do some Christians just feel they are saved and don't need to work at it? I'm honestly curious. In my spirituality I feel it is very important to have reflecting time everyday and to try to be a better person everyday. If I make a mistake I don't hate myself for it, but I do expect certain things from myself, and can be hard on myself so that I'll improve.

Does this religion give leeway to making excuses?

If so, what does that say about it's role in spiritual development?

Astra, do you think there is anyone on here that hasn't heard the threat of hell? Why repeat it?

Tom, I know. Many seem to put Paul above Jesus himself.

Answer 1

The truth about our lives is found in the Bible. Christians warn people (most times the wrong way) of their eternal destiny when their lives are completely opposed to what God wanted and revealed in his Word. Also, christians do not need to work for their salvation. All you need to do is to recognize you are a sinner and trust in Jesus Christ to be the center of your life. After you are saved it will produce fruits and works.

Answer 2

There are many interesting people within any culture. It is immature to be telling others they will be going to hell, as it is to be telling others that those who believe differently than they do are not intelligent (several who are not religious seem to do this. And these are the type who I kindof group in with those religous people who say everyone else is going to hell--the truth is, we do need to work our our salvation, it doesn't just happen because we believe, and we do need to realize that our own way isn't the only one that makes sense).
I think most Christians at least believe in doing good works. I frankly feel that if we don't try to improve ourselves and the world around us that, regardless of if we believe or not, we will have never known the Savior because we will never have known or done his works. And if we knew what we were supposed to do and never did it, frankly, than we are the ones in danger of hell fire.
Pure religion doesn not give leeway for excuses, and if it is a good religion it improves spirituality and growth in every way. So, if it is a good and pure religion, it enhances spiritual development.

Answer 3

Does this religion give leeway to making excuses? I believe in many instances yes. Not all - I mean, some people really do walk the walk. But their numbers seem to be fewer.

If so, what does that say about it's role in spiritual development? I think in many (once again, not all) instances it stunts spiritual growth by providing a scapegoat for bad behavior and the lack of self work.

When it really comes down to it I think there are Christians who work at it, but many more who don't.

Answer 4

There are just too many who claimed to be Christians but only handful are the real ones. They have misunderstood the role of Jesus in that savior thing. In fact, I suspect that true
Christians are outside the mainstream Christian society. These handfuls are more appropriately called spiritual Christians because they take their spiritual quest to the next level incorporating Christ as the epicenter of their faith. Christ's death and Resurrection become only meaningful when a Christian understood properly the law of spirit, karma, reincarnation The supposed role of Jesus as savior does not fit into their simplistic thought of excuses for their bad behavior. It is pointless to brag around being save when they don't really understood the working principles and the law why and how Jesus entered the picture of savior. Jesus himself commanded "carry your own cross and follow me". implying the same hardship all Christ's believers will go through to be saved. But obviously, they don't like hardship and only look for a quick fix.

Answer 5

It really has nothing to do with religion as far as being Christian. A true born again Christian gets convicted by the Holy Spirit and this makes them change their old sinful lifestyle that others notice. We don't say nasty mean things, but instead we witness to people and try and turn them away from satan and to look towards God. This is also known as winning souls for Jesus. If Christians are saying mean things, then they are not true Christians. Also telling someone they are going to hell, if they are sinning is not saying mean and nasty things, as it is true. It is the best thing a Christian can tell you so that you will turn away from that dangerous path. Here is a website I hope may help you better understand the Christian ways.

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com

Answer 6

FIrst, telling people they are going to hell is not nasty if it is true and by being aware of it the other person can devise a plan to stop themself from going to hell. That is the opposite of nasty, and in a circumstance where the person would not be aware that they are going to hell and would not do anything to stop it from happening because they were unaware, it would be probably the nastiest thing another person could do not to tell them.

I'm not a Christian btw.

But as to the main part of your question, I also have noticed that people use their religion's belief in the imperfection of man to excuse bad character traits that could be fixed with effort. That is annoying. But if they had no religion those same people would use genetics or chemical imbalances or some other excuse. Jerky people tend to remain jerks no matter what ideas they have in their heads.

Answer 7

Christians that make excuses on their behavior are only fooling themselves. Yes, Jesus did die for your sins. However, it doesn't give you a license to go live like Hell Mon-Sat and then be all "Holy" on Sunday. Christ compels us to live our lives according to his word. Christians do tend to scare non-believers with "If you don't get saved, you're going to hell!" If they remember before they got saved; they would have been terrified to hear that spoken to them. People who don't know about Jesus or the Bible need to be educated and shown. A Christian's life can speak a whole lot louder than words!!!! Your Testimony of how Jesus changed your life for the better impacts people better than being yelled at in church. Church is for growing. Witnessing is for sowing the seed of the gospel to those who don't know. Christians need to read the Bible and Pray daily. Only through these can they ever change their lives permanently and stop making mistakes which turn into excuses. Christians should daily strive to be in perfect harmony with what God requires of them. It is a never ending journey. Yes, being human we do make mistakes. But we need to LEARN from them, repent, and make every effort NEVER to do it again. Prayer avails much. It can empower us in ways we cannot fathom.

I hope this encourages you. Peace be with you.

Answer 8

Yeah, we've all been hypocritical at some point in our lives, but we ought to make an effort at being good. I agree - saying nasty things just stigmatizes Christianity.

No, religion is NOT an excuse for sinning - whoever thinks so ought to study their Bible.

Subscribing to Christianity means that you embark on your journey of spiritual development/improvement, not end it by waving what you assume to be a free ticket to Heaven.

Answer 9

The people who are Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindi, etc. are all different. Some are thin and some aren't some are introverts and some aren't, some are hypocrites and some aren't.

Just because one says that they believe in certain tenets doesn't make them a true practitioner of that religion.

I'm sure if you looked at the members of your faith, with a critical eye, you very well could find someone who says one thing and does another. Duplicity is a VERY common human failing amongst all walks of life.

Answer 10

Good question. In my experience, no, most of the "Christians" on here don't really work at it. It cleary states in their Bible that "Do not judge, lest thou be judged" and "let he who is without sin cast the first stone". Yet, they sure enjoy condemning people to Hell a lot.

I'm essentially the same as you. Everyday, I see opportunity to become a better person and I strive for it. If I make a mistake, I'm like "oh... crap!" and I do my best to fix it.

They usually hide behind their belief that "God will forgive them" and don't really pay attention to what they're doing. In essence, that is a VERY hipocritical way to go about it.

Answer 11

No, in fact a lot who call themselves Christians don't walk the walk. You can tell a Christian by their fruit. Do they LOVE, are they patient and kind? Can you depend on them? Are they willing to share and sacrifice? Are they FORGIVING? You get the picture?
Correy Ten boom is a good example of a Christian. She helped hide some Jews and she forgave a guard that executed her family. If you've never read her books, you might consider "The Hidding Place"