I always think, what are the differences between a Christian and a non-Christian? Why Christians are always thought of as hypocrites?
I think I have to answer carefully with the thoughts in my head, based on what I read from the Bible.
First of all, being a Christian doesn't mean we are perfect. For all of us have sinned and none of us is perfect. That's why we still struggle to love the perfect love, live the perfect life. Being a Christian doesn't mean we *insert magical sound* turn into a perfect being, but we grow towards perfection, which will be completed by Jesus's second coming. Being a Christian is not just a prayer, but a life to follow Christ after that prayer. Remember to grow.
Secondly, we tend to be judgemental. We forgot to see the plank in our own eyes, but want to take out the speck in others' eyes. We ought to be gracious. Who were we before we know Christ? And yet Jesus redeemed each one of us. We judged, yet we are not searching ourselves. Pick up the stone and throw the first stone if you are sinless, that's what Jesus said to the religious leaders who brought an adulteress to Him. Remember His grace.
Thirdly, there is fear. We fear of the unknown. We fear of the 'other' person who don't belong to this group of friends we know. We fear that our 'schedule' might be compromised. And so we have a lot to learn, to learn from the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) - Jesus. He doesn't mind to be stopped, to bring forgiveness and healing; He doesn't mind to be inconvenienced, to bless the young children; He doesn't mind to be harsh to the corrupted religious leaders, to remind them of the true faith. There is no fear in love. Remember to love.
Legalistic. We are freed from the yoke of religious rituals, because rituals can't save us. There is freedom in Christ and this freedom is grounded in a redeemed life. That means that in this freedom, we ought not to continue in our sinful deeds, because this grace that was shown to us is in no way cheap.
Apathy. That is another deadly word: to don't care about anything at all. My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, search our hearts from time to time, don't let apathy be what we live out, but a life of Christ. It won't be easy, that's why we support each other, that's why we share a community, that's why we are called the body of Christ.
