Hypocrites or Genuine Followers?

The research of David Kinnamon (Barna Group) gives ample evidence that people outside of Christian faith and organized churches view Christians as hypocritical. This especially applies to younger generations. They don't necessarily mean this in a judgmental way. It's simply an observation. They hear us talk about certain things we believe. However, they don't observe us acting as if we believe those things. In fact, they don't see us acting much different than anyone else.

For example, most churches say they believe in forgiveness. As Jesus has forgiven us of our sin and our separation from God, so we should forgive others. For those of us who use the words of the "Lord's Prayer" every week, we say we believe this. Do we actually practice it? Most churches like the concept of redemption. This is to say that a life that is lost can be reclaimed by God and found. Do we believe this, or do we in fact decide that certain people do not and cannot change or be changed? Most fellowships of Jesus-followers speak of hope. We believe that, in spite of all contrary evidence, God give uncommon hope to the hopeless. If the carnage of an executioner's cross of wood gives way to the hope of victory in the risen Jesus, then hope is real and receivable. Do we give evidence of hope to others, or do we just join in with the many voices of despair.

This Sunday in the worship services in which I participate I will interview of man who earlier this year was released from prison after serving 27 years for dealing drugs. Once an athlete, honor student, and a respected teacher, he created untold wreckage in the lives of many, including his own. And yet, at the pit of his own existence, he experienced real forgiveness, genuine redemption, and uncommon hope against all odds. We could just talk about forgiveness, redemption, and hope in some abstract way. With this man's presence and testimony, however, we will all have the chance to see if we really believe these things and practice them.

Every day God gives us the opportunity to live what we say we believe. What am I doing today to change the perceptions the Barna research identified? I'll see you around the next bend in the river.