“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” — Mahatma Gandhi
I have been burnt time and time again by church organizations. I develop websites, shoot photographs and do design work, and I trust churches and church organizations again and again in regards to finances. In the end, I find out that what they preach and what they practice are two different things. Do I want to wear the name “Christian” and be associated with these people?
On the other hand there are churches and church organizations who are the model clients, bills paid on time, not trying to take advantage of people. They model Christ in the business world in a way that is pleasing. I enjoy being associated with these Christians that actually display Christ’s love.
Why does the Church attack itself? What is the difference? Why are there differences?
I understand fully son but glad you added the paragraph: “On the other hand …”
You have hit the nail on the head here – the secret is to realize that not everyone who uses the labels “Church” or “Christian” are anything like Jesus. You should still love them, even welcome them as brothers in Christ, but don’t trust them to do the Christ-like thing in every situation, in fact I would “hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”
That said when you find the ones like Jesus pour everything you have into them. And realize that even “good Christian people” are still people and everyone but Jesus will let you down eventually.