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I know a family who quickly introduces themselves as Christians whenever they can. This same family constantly has empty beer cans, liquor bottles, and cigarette boxes scattered all over their porch. I have a very hard time not judging them. Would you?
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I dunno man. That’s hard. It depends on how they act about their faith. If they are super judgmental about other people’s issues, then it’s a little hypocritical. However, they could just be messy.
What are you judging them for? What are they doing wrong in your opinion?
Is the problem that their porch looks too messy?
Yes, but not because of potential hypocrisy related to their Christianity. There have been a lot of alcohol issues in my extended family, and I don’t understand why alcohol is an attractive beverage. Just the smell of alcohol makes me uncomfortable.
The fact that they’re litter bugs is also really irritating. But, the smoking would only bother me if they did it in my company.
Helen,
For calling themselves Christians and living like they’re not. The whole “bless God with your lips and curse him with your actions” thing.
It comes back to Matt 7:3-5, I know. But it’s just so darn tempting to say, “Are you serious? You call yourself a Christian??? You’re acting like living a Godly life is the LAST thing on your mind!”
I’m aware of my flawed way of thinking. Just a struggle of mine
It depends what they drink.
Well, I judge them when they think it is important to tell me they’re a Christian soon after being introduced to them
But, what about keeping your porch messy is inconsistent with being a Christian? You lost me.
Coincidentally, this piece of research might suggest that the dirty porch is actually a positive.
I think my issue is with anyone too quick to throw out that THEY INDEED ARE Christians. It always seems weird to me. Like can’t we just let people see we are Christians by our actions. Im not saying we should hide and never say we are Christians but some people are obnoxious about it. Like maybe they feel that the only way you will know is if they tell you.
As for the beer bottles, well, I just think its tacky. Personal view of course. I don’t think having a beer somehow makes you less Christian than the next guy. Plus, thats their battle if there is an issue and its for God to allow the Spirit to convict them.
As for how I would feel if they were my neighbors, Christian or not….Clean up the yard people! It would probably upset me just because they don’t have enough respect to at least keep their place tidy, making the neighborhood look junky.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love…:x
Bill at what point did you sneak into my backyard ? [accusing eyes]
Maybe the empty beer bottles and butts are there because they have been offering their house to less fortunate or homeless people who drink and smoke. Maybe they have found that not judging drinkers/smokers is a good way to minister to them. Although I agree they should clean up and recycle.
The word “judging” of course is a great word to evoke strong emotion among people but the meaning behind what Bill refers to is somewhat different depending on if someone is a follower of Christ or not.
As a leader of a 12-step group I know first-hand what it is like to try serving the Lord on one hand and tear it down with my own hyprocrisy on the other. How do I know when that’s going down? Looking at the fruit.
In the Bible it talks about not judging but it also says for fellow Christians to gently instruct one another when they are not following the word of the Lord. Of course that leaves things open for abuse, but isn’t anything in life?
What if no brother or sister in Christ ever “judged” me by saying, “Hey Matt - what you’re saying is one thing but what you’re showing me and others is something else. You’re not on track - you know the truth of this situation supersedes the circumstance, right?”
They’re right - I do know better. I’ve become more able in the last couple years to take such constructive criticism wheras in the past I would label them as being “judgemental” (letting my pride run the show) and keep going my own way.
I used various chemicals with various levels of severity to make myself feel good/better or distract me from the stresses of everyday life. It’s easy to chalk it up as just having fun, it’s not a big deal, Christians suck the joy from life, etc. I’m looking at it from the other side, though, where I see people every day that on the outside have everything together but are slowly crumbling away.
Every one of them said they didn’t have a problem (some still say that) but even the slightest appearance of substance abuse or any other type of dependency issues mark a spiritual hole underneath the veneer of “wanting to have fun” or dealing with the stresses of life.
Letting the Lord work through my life is a billion times more fun than a couple beers after a hard day (seriously) but it took some time and courage to get there. This isn’t a “Christian thing”, either. Anybody from a 12-step group even if it isn’t substance-abuse related will tell roughly the same story.
If someone’s porch is littered with what Bill said, then that is clear evidence of some struggles in their walk. This conversation wouldn’t be held publicly but between them and a fellow believer with whom they have a relationship.