Too Good?

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this-not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.

Over the years there have been several attempts on my part to become a "good" Christian. I have participated in youth groups, summer camps, mission trips and service projects. I have desperately tried to live my life in a manner that would prove to others my relationship with Christ. While these intentions may have been "good" or noble, the Lord has taught me that even well intended aspirations can become harmful if not approached Biblically.

The Biblical approach is simple. It is through God alone that we are to confess His name. Christ did not die on a cross so that I could live a good life. Neither did He take our sins upon Himself simply to create a group of morally outstanding citizens here on the earth. Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice so that we may have communion with God. "For God so loved the world, that He sent His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16). His primary mission was to establish a means for us to have eternal life with God the Father. Morals and "good" living are only a result of that eternal connection we now have. John 3:17 so plainly states, "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world [to set up rules and regulations, then tell us where we've gone wrong], but that the world should be saved through Him."

Do not be confused though. I am not saying that we don't have to live moral and godly lives? Neither am I saying that Christ was not interested in how we live? Christ is very concerned with our choice of lifestyle, but only because it is a natural result of accepting Him as Lord. I challenge you to think about the message your sending to those around you. Are you attempting to proclaim Christ through living a life of good intentions or through the glorification of His name? As history repeats itself over and over, we can see that Christians proclaiming their moral superiority over sinners do not persuade the world to enter into a relationship with Jesus. Christ is best preached through what He did, not through what we do. I challenge you to reevaluate the message your sending to those around you. In many cases, people do not reject Christ out of some inner hatred towards Him, but through an ignorance or misunderstanding of Him. It is not our job to show how "good" we are compared to those around us (and unknowingly judge them), but to share with them the message of the Cross (and purposely lead them to salvation)!

Be careful not to get caught up in rules and regulations as the Pharisees did. Rather, seek out the lost and explain to them the forgiving characteristics of our God. Once again, don't get me wrong, it is important to model Christ in our actions and lifestyle. Just remember, too much action accompanied by not enough love and understanding may come across as judgmental.