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Passion 2012 (Post #5 - Just A Thought)

#5. Just a thought....


I was sitting in my seat on the very first night of Passion waiting for the main session to start when a guy came and sat down next to me. We struck up a conversation, and his accent immediately told me he wasn't from anywhere near Atlanta, GA. I asked where he was from, and he told me he was from South Africa originally but is currently studying in Kansas. After I had him explain how in the world (and why!) he ended up in Kansas from South Africa, I started asking him some questions about his transition to the United States. The way he answered one question I asked hasn't left the back of my mind since that night...



I asked him what was the biggest shock coming to America or the thing that he didn't expect the most. His response was, "I'm not just saying this because we are at Passion, but I am genuinely surprised at how many people in America say they are Christians but really aren't. You can't do that in Africa. I just don't understand how people can do that."



I wasn't sure how to respond to that question. I mean, he's right. Our nation, especially the south, is full of people who were "raised in church" or believe in "good Christian values" but have no idea what it means to have a relationship with Christ. What a scary thing for them, for us, and for anyone who visits America. Not only are those people believing lies, but that stereotypical image is what many have in their head as a Christian. It's no wonder people don't want to hear about Jesus...people that claim to be Christians live lives no different from theirs!



I guess I had two main take aways from this brief conversation. Number one, be careful! Just because you were raised in church or are a really good person doesn't mean that you are saved or have a relationship with Christ. There's more to it than service projects and church attendance. There is so much blessing and fulfillment in a life lived for and with Christ. Don't rob yourself of that joy! Jesus wants SO much for your life! Number two, those of us who do have a genuine relationship with Christ need to make sure our lives portray that. Don't be a stereotype or a hypocrite. People should be able to look at your life and KNOW you are different. Make people want to ask you what that difference is.



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