I’m a ‘Crazy Christian’

(c) Google Images.

I listened to Brad Paisley’s ‘Those Crazy Christians’ track and remember laughing so hard the first time. I was proud to call myself a ‘crazy Christian’ per his description in the song. But thinking of how he thought of Christians as a critic, I’m afraid that we as a body are losing our influence as the ‘crazy ones.’

I’m sure skeptics find it baffling that some people would choose to believe in someone believed to have lived and died on the cross for them. They must think it silly that believers pray to God to deliver them from their problems and expect Him to answer them. If there was a God and He is as good as proclaimed, why would He allow bad things to happen to His creation? And He cares about us that much, why would He keep us from enjoying ourselves the way we would want to?

I heard this line in the God’s Not Dead 2 movie and it really struck a cord: Refusing to believe that God exists doesn’t make Him go away; it only means no amount of evidence would convince you. And I totally agree with that assertion. Just as we can consciously think of excuses why we can’t do something, one can bring up all the ‘logical’ reasons to nullify the existence and power of God. And here’s the thing: it takes faith to be a Christian; not rationalism. Until you decide to believe, nothing will make sense.

As Christians in these end times, how should the world see us? We should be seen as people generous, kind, compassionate, forgiving, peaceful, selfless and principled. They might think of us as silly but our way of life should inspire others and make them wonder what makes us so different; so joyful even in challenging times. We should be the ones they would want to talk to when they are going through a hard time. We are the light of the world; a city on the hill. We should show love to others who don’t share our faith and warmly receive anyone who decides to join the fellowship.

But what do we witness these days? One of us stumbles and we are the first to cast the first stone. Instead of rebuking in love and helping them back up, we judge them and make them feel like they are disqualified from the grace of God as if we are the ones who died for them. When we hear of pastors and artistes involved in some of sexual scandal or divorce, instead of praying with them for God to show them mercy, we judge them and question the authenticity of their faith. If we can’t stand with our own, how can we attract others to join us?

It is not our job to judge anyone by their actions as we are not in their shoes and can never fully understand why they did one thing or the other. Ours is to be there for one another and build each other up; correct and forgive each other when we falter and love ourselves regardless of our differences.

Let’s not paint the picture of hypocrisy with the way we live. We are not perfect and no one will ever be regardless of how long he/she has been a Christian. But we expect God to understand our flaws and forgive us. Why can’t we apply the same understanding and forgive each other?

Let’s not lose our fire now. Now more than ever, we need to burn bright in our zeal to live right. Let’s stand united in love. We are all one body. One falls, we all do. Let’s not abandon the fallen and leave the cracks to widen. Let’s help each other stand and help those who are tired of being down to join us.

Let’s strive to be called ‘Crazy Christians’ once more, shall we? Let’s get crazy for God!

Enjoy Brad Paisley’s track here:

© Josephine Amoako 2016

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