Is there such a thing? I think so. The stereotype most are so used to is the status quo today. Not all Christians fit into this or that stereotype. Do we want to be stereotypical stereotyped by the world or do we want to live for Jesus. They are quite different animals. The church today has been changing the way the world sees Jesus until there is not much left of the real Gospel message and constraint on living, being and saying whatever you think is right. Like most changes the method has been slow but consistent in destroying the boundaries set by God. Acceptance of those thing that are unholy over living holiness, professing something as what God wants when there is no support from the Bible or Holy Spirit that it's true. The wedge that has been inserted by the devil and his followers begins like a small crack then it's pried open further an further. That which was center (Jesus) gets moved to the side so that personal wants are more important. Roads in cold regions of the world fall to their demise beginning with a small summer crack that ends up freezing and expanding during winter resulting in a greater crack down the road (no pun intended) in the spring. Year after year this takes place until some agency demands a repair. The repair is a patch that makes things look like they are good. However, the crack underneath continues to destroy the road eventually causing it's removal and replacement with a new road. That new road can now be updated to reflect the world around it with new lanes, new signs, new restrictions, and such. You get the picture.
Question is, why do we do the same thing with our relationship with Christ? Why do we think we need to adjust Christianity to fit the masses when it's supposed to be Christ centered and complete as intended? The world may think political correctness is great but the Gospel and the Word of God don't. The world may think tolerance of beliefs outside of the relationship with God is THE thing to do but God does not. Changing the Word to better reflect the people worshipping is okay with congregations far and wide but are an abomination to God. Like the crack in the road the Christians of the day are intent on patching over the cracks so that the picture looks pretty. Eventually, the road needs to be replaced. Rather than replacing that which has been destroyed by neglect of the Gospel, when the road is rebuilt often it reflects the desires of the world and not God. The Bible is clear that adding to or subtracting from the Word of God will result in separation from God in a permanent manner. Don't agree? Continue patching YOUR road and see what happens.
So, let's break the stereotype. Let's not wander from the truth and ignore the desires of the devil and his ongoing work through Christians we live with. Let's embrace Godly accountability instead. Let's call a sin a sin. Let's address the witness of those who drag down the Christian message with their adherence to personal choice and pleasures. Let's be bold in stating the message Christ has given and not water it down to where people won't be offended. Instead of being the invisible church many have become, let's make a public stand individually and collectively as the CHRISTIAN church that worships, serves and will die for Christ. Let's survey the cost of true Christianity and embrace that cost regardless of the consequences of doing so. Let's make a decision to make a difference in our communities, work and families by being upright and humble before God. Let's break the stereotype the world has as a stranglehold on the Christian and do what we who believe were saved to do. Let's go into all the world and make disciples of all men. That would mean women and children as well. But not disciples who adhere to the world's stereotype but who aggressively stand up for Jesus regardless what others think. What's important is what God thinks. Remember, it's always your choice.
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