by Debra K. Carey

Created on: February 07, 2008   Last Updated: February 08, 2008

I am a follower of Jesus. I am a Christian.
I do not bomb abortion clinics. I do not protest at the grave of fallen soldiers.
I am not judgmental or intolerant of the beliefs of others. I do not go door to door telling people they will go to hell if they do not believe as I do. I do not look down on someone for going dancing, having a beer or a glass of wine. I do not wear my hair in a bun or dress only in long skirts. I am a Christian, a follower of the teachings of Christ, the one who taught that if we hate our brother whom we can see, how can we love God whom we cannot see.

I am a Christian. I do not believe I am perfect or sinless. I do not believe I can just say I am sorry and not change my wrong behavior. I do not believe that I can buy a ticket to heaven just by giving my ten percent to the church or by attending services every time the door is open. I am a follower of the teachings of Christ, the one who taught that God is with me everywhere I go and sees the true intent of my heart.

I am a Christian. I do not ban books or deny the facts of science. I do not look down on those who watch TV, read popular literature or go to the movies. I do not judge those who are of a differing political view. I do not believe my country has a divine right to convert the world to Christianity or democracy. I am a follower of the teachings of Christ, the one who said that I am in this world, but not of this world; the one who said, seek and it shall be opened to you. The one who said if you give one of these a drink of water in His name, you have done this for Him.

Down through the ages many have attempted to change the world. Emperors have in the past decreed that all would follow their prescribed religion. Conversion to the state religion was at the point of a sword. It has never made the world a better place to live. Instead, it started wars and made criminals out of everyday citizens and produced martyrs.
Christianity must be of the heart and of the soul. It must be not just a part of who you are, but completely who you are. If you follow the teachings of Christ it should show by how you view and treat others. If you see them just as pagans or sinners, you've missed the point. If your mind set is "us against them", you've missed the point. But if you see each person as a soul that Jesus loves...and treat each one as if they are Jesus Himself, perhaps you have understood what it's all about. The love of God for mankind was the message that Jesus came to share. It is not up to His followers to judge the earth, but rather to be the salt, the preservative of the earth. We, who are imperfect have no right to judge others. But we do have the privilege of loving our neighbors as Jesus taught us to do.

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