Historically, there have been many evil, hateful, stupid, self-righteous, things done in the name of Christianity. Just because somebody slaps the label on their actions or intentions, does not make it right or righteous. The devil is constantly trying to confuse and deceive us with something that is counterfeit to what is truly of and from God.
True Christianity does not…
Oppress the poor
Matthew 25: 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, e‘Depart from me, you fcursed, into gthe eternal fire prepared for hthe devil and his angels. 42 For iI was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, jyou did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away kinto eternal punishment, but the righteous kinto leternal life.”
Demonize people of other nationalities and immigration status
Leviticus 19:33-34 When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Matthew 25: 41
Lie and spread falsehoods
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Spread fear and hate
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Take away food from hungry children
Isaiah 58:10
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
Demand that everyone be Christian or be oppressed otherwise
Entitle Christians to think they are better and superior
Philippians 2 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Take away a child’s free and equal education
Try to overthrow their own government
Romans 13:1-2
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Idly sit by and say nothing when their neighbors are being threatened
Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.
Threaten
Leviticus 19:18
A well-known commandment that states, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD”.
Encourage violence
Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Make fun of the disabled
Cheat
1 Peter 3:10
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
Steal
Commit Fraud
Leviticus 19:13
13 “ ‘Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. “ ‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.
Cause division
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
When we as Christians slap a label of “Christianity” onto something that is clearly counterfeit in order to excuse our despicable hate, racist, self-centered ways, what kind of witness are we being to the lost? Call sin for what it is and stop slapping the label of “Christianity” onto deplorable behavior.
Christianity is:
Loving the lost.
Feeding hungry.
Standing up for the oppressed.
Speaking Truth.
Seeking Justice.
Taking care of immigrants, widows, and orphans.
Living in humility.
Serving.
Washing feet.
Offering forgiveness.
Pursing peace.
Looking beyond our own wants and needs for the sake of others.
Giving.
Caring for the sick.
Helping to carry the burdens of those around us.
Spreading the hope and love that is Jesus Christ.
Pursuing Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
