Christians : Do you feel you have to represent your faith no matter where you are?

Question

I posted this question earlier :

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AglP8RBGJwleN1VB71nLmGPsy6IX?qid=20070531112351AALJ6dh

A few responders stated that Christianity should not be judged by the participants on an internet site.

Fair enough, but how are others -- including those of like-minded beliefs -- to discern what should be interpreted as "Christian-like" behavior, and what is not? Do you get to choose when you act like a Christian and when you do not?

Answer 1

If we "represent our faith" we are accused of having no personality and no sense of humor.

If we try to have a sense of humor, we are accused of not acting like Christians.


YIKES!

Answer 2

Christian is a broad label. There are people who believe they are "born" Christian because of their parents and where they live. Others choose to ID that way as a contrast to Muslim.

You may call a Jehovah Witness a Christian.

None of those will meet the Bible definition, however.

Many people are very adamant about their beliefs and want to push it on you.

What distinguishes a Christian is the desire to follow Christ and do his will. We follow the apostolic writings and those of Jesus.

Do I feel I HAVE to present my faith everywhere? No. But, this is an "answers" site. That means people are here asking questions, and like you have done at times, challenging my beliefs.

In that case, because someone asks and I have something to offer - yes I must present my faith. But, we may pass each other on the street and I won't tackle you to tell you.

My belief is that all who are not saved by the blood of Christ will be lost for eternity. Only a selfish person would not want to tell you the truth. (Assume with me for a moment that the Bible is true).

I mean, Jesus thought the matter was serious enough to willingly suffer a horrific scourging and go to a cross on purpose.

It must be serious, then.

So, in order to keep you from a bad decision, I'm willing to be very assertive - since you're on a "Religion and Spirituality" web site. Something in you must have doubts or you'd be surfing on a different wave.

I do think all these folks on here should be more kind in their comments. (even the atheists).

TEK

Answer 3

I saw the responses you're referring to, and I interpreted them to mean that people should not come to an internet site expecting to find Christ. I personally believe that God can and WILL use ANY means available to reach someone. At any rate, the responses saddened me, because if you are a Christian, then you are supposed to behave like one at ALL times. When you give your life to Christ, it means EVERY area of your life belongs to Him. Truthfully, I believe if God opens a door for me to witness, then I'm supposed to go right on in. So, I go. I have asked serious questions on Y/A pertaining to Christianity and gotten some very helpful answers. If I can do the same for somebody else, and I pass on the opportunity, then I have also passed on the chance for a blessing. So yes - I try to exhibit Christ-like behavior all of the time. It's not always quoting scripture - sometimes it's in random acts of kindness, or sharing my experience in an area where somebody else is going through a struggle I've already been through. I behave the same whether anybody is watching or not, because God is ALWAYS watching and the little things DO matter.

However, as some have pointed out....we aren't perfect and we have our "off days". We just ask for forgiveness and try to do better. Thank you for asking - I hope I've blessed you!

Answer 4

not acting in a christian like manner comes easily... and is a matter of someone just being human.

does anyone have a problem with people being human?

those of like minded beliefs are not to be the christian police to discern and judge = condemn the behavior of others as some would suppose.
there's enough of that going on already from those who are not christians.

christians are to pray for their brethren and endeavor to encourage proper behavior by example.
...

Answer 5

How are others to discern what should be interpreted as "Christian-like" behavior?

By educating themselves about what Christianity is and then applying judgment to their observations.

Do (Christians) get to choose when (we) act like a Christian and when you do not?

Well of course. That's the beauty of having free agency. Everyone can choose how they will behave all the time.

What you are really saying though, I think, is "If I find a few bad examples of Group A, can't I paint all of Group A by the actions of those few?"

The answer, of course, is no. :-)

Answer 6

i in my view do no longer %. on Christians, Jews, Muslims or any of the like. inspite of the shown fact that, while i'm being compelled, or "condemned to damnation" via such- i will in basic terms shelter myself. in step with probability you experience attacked considering which you're a Christian. however an identical may be stated via a Jew or Muslim, or Buddhist or Taoist. each faith is made relaxing of, and each faith is sought out, no rely if or no longer that's via interest, perception or different such issues. i in my view have faith such assaults, adversarial ones and stupid ones, are from people who're insecure. inspite of the shown fact that, if there's a theological communicate happening or a debate, guy up. end the dislike, improve the peace.

Answer 7

Yes, you represent your beliefs no matter where you are. You represent your family no matter where you are. Suppose I go to a club and start dancing in a cage all crazy like. People who know who I am would say, "Oh that's Mrs. X's daughter. I can't believe she raised her daughter that way." Just because one Christian believes something doesn't make that what all Christians believe.

To determine what is Christlike behavior you have to study Christ.

Answer 8

i personally think that as a Christian the love of Christ should be visible always you don't need to let every one know you don't need to always tell people you don't always have to speak so spiritual. simple words Praise the Lord, Thank God, God is great, and your actions should speak Jesus always "sometimes even for Christians it is hard" you will make some mistakes and fall short but ask God to help you be a better Christian and forgive you for your short comings. you should be able to judge for yourself who is of Christianity and not but sometimes you have it were you can't tell the difference but that is when you need to see who you are and how you act toward people, toward situations. LIVE LIFE THE WAY GOD TELLS YOU TO LIVE!!!!! you know what is right and wrong.

Answer 9

I feel that it is my duty to always show Christ through my actions. Do I always follow it? No. I have failed many times. But i think it is important because you never know who may be looking at your life, and judging you by the way you live it. The Bible says that Christians are not to be conformed to this world. That we are not to live as the unrighteous. "For it is written: the just shall live by faith". I think it was Paul who also said, "Shall we therefore sin so that grace may be more abundant? By no means!". We are no longer under the bondage of sin, therefore we should not live in it. Also, "every good tree bringeth forth good fruit". We are known by our works. It is not what determines our salvation, salvation is by faith. But if the truth is in us, we will bring forth good fruit.

Answer 10

Why would you think God needs our help? He is the creator of the universe. Every star and every planet is perfectly placed, for our existence on our own beautiful Earth. The majesty of the heavens is spectacular, even to the naked eye. Our beings are superbly and uniquely designed, so that we are breathing, living souls made in His own image. So why would a God who is so wonderfully wise--so gracious and forgiving need us to represent Him? We need Him to represent us, my friend. True christians know this and live their lives through Him, as a beacon of light for the world to see.

Answer 11

It isn't supposed to be like a suit we put on or take off whenever we want.
We're to BE Christian 24/7.
We certainly don't preach and evangelize all the time either.
Although, there are some I know that are irritating ALL the time. I love'em anyway. I know I have my flaws!