One of the most challenging aspects of being a Christian in a very diverse state like California, is balancing tolerance with maintaining the integrity of one's beliefs. In church we are often told that our purpose is to "spread the gospel"; usually what happens is that on Sundays, after we hear a fiery sermon, we feel all motivated to fulfill our purpose so we walk up to someone on the street say "Hi have you heard of Jesus?" they say "Yeah but I'm Buddhist" and we say "Oh really? That's cool!" and then the magical, empowered feeling from church kinda wears off over the course of the day, and we don't really spread the gospel the rest of the week. So in that situation, we totally fail at being Christian enough (although most weeks I can't even get the courage to walk up to the random person lol. ). Then there is the other end of the spectrum, where people are intolerant and completely shove the bible down other's throats.
So to solve the problem I have created the ten guidelines for how to be a devout Christian without turning into a bigot or getting so sick of church that you stop going altogether:
1. Actions speak louder than words: This means, if you happen to think sodomy is the most disgusting thing in the work and gay people freak you out, don't say something like "Don't you realize that you're disgusting lifestyle is a straight path to burning in eternal hellfire?" Instead don't say anything at all. Rather than condemn the gay person in question, show them the same kindness Christ showed to the prostitutes and tax collectors. Christ helped heal and love those who were unloved by religion because it was they we were most in need of that love.
2. Read up on the different opinions of non-Christians or Christians of other denominations so that you can understand what you are supposedly against. Who knows...maybe that person you've been arguing with so fervently has actually agreed with you the whole time.
3. Stand up for what you believe in when it's under fire: Often those Militant atheists, and militant agnostics you may meet at school or work might refer to documentaries or Discovery channel specials that dissect and disprove your faith. Tell them what I often say and that's "Anyone with a camera and good video editing software can cut film and edit information to support their views" Which is totally true. You can try it yourself with any news article, just take words out here and there and you can get it to say whatever you want it to.
4. Never judge anyone: Nothing turns people more off towards Christians than having t heir lifestyle judged, and now I'm talking about more than just gay people. Whether it's the school slut or a stoner...really anyone you would normally condemn, don't judge. People make mistakes and sometimes it's their fault, but other times it's really not, but you can never know. That's why you leave the judging to God, and in the mean time be kind and tolerant.
5. Don't be afraid to switch churches: Churches are run by people, not God. So don't expect them all to be perfect. What's more, a church that might be perfect for you one year might not feel as fulfilling the next. If you're church does not make you feel as high on Christ as it did before, that does not mean suddenly that you've lost faith or that churches are bad. Keep looking, and don't lose faith, you'll find one that makes you feel comfortable.
6. Understand that people in churches are just a collective sample of the population: I know many a Christian who has given up on attending or even setting foot in churches because so many Christians are hypocrites. Don't lie to yourself though...there are two faced people both inside and outside of church, just as there are nice people both inside and outside the church. Holding grudges against hypocrites is understandable, but it's not worth foregoing the benefit of going to Church. And if you really feel uncomfortable with the people at your church, find a new one.
7. Go the extra mile: Forget verbally spreading the word of God. Words go in one ear and out the other. What will really communicates God's love is going the extra mile to help someone, Christian or not.
8. Keep on praying: Kind deeds plant seeds, and your prayers add water to help the garden of believers grow. Not to mention, prayer also helps keep your faith strong. Don't have time to pray? See number 9.
9. Bored? Talk to Jesus: In the car on the way to work, in the shower, while you put on your make up, perhaps even at the grocery store if no one's looking...when you're alone even if it's just for a few minutes, pray or just reflect on God's word and what he's speaking to your heart at that moment. The last friend I gave that advice to followed it, and a few months later realized he was called to become a pastor. Go figure...it works!
10. It's okay to agree to disagree: Sometimes you have to do this, and just hope that through prayer whoever you disagree with will eventually change. Everything happens in God's time not our own, after all. Don't compromise, but don't be so closed that you can't acknowledge when someone else has a good point. As long as you're strong in your faith, anyone should be able to talk about their beliefs and you should be able to be kind and understanding, without being a wet noodle.
Hope that helps!
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