Pride and Prejudice: The "Religious" Version

John and I have a new friend. I have several classes with him, and when I introduced him to John they really hit it off. He's a super nice guy, and we all have a lot of fun hanging out together. There's only one thing that gets to me... he calls us religious. He doesn't mean it as an insult, but it still rubs me the wrong way.

I think this is because the word "religious" has gotten so twisted by our society. For example, to me the word "religious" reverberates with all the wrong connotations. It seems to imply all the legalistic and judgmental stereotypes that are so sadly associated with Christians today.

I was listening to a discussion on the radio while I was driving to Navasota this morning. They were talking about the bad reputation Christianity has gotten, and how we as Christians need to find ways to make it more fun. I don't know if "fun" is the word I would choose. It's not as if Christianity is some gingerbread house that we have to lure little, lost children into. I think it is more important to be joyful and genuine, which I unfortunately can't say I've been living up to lately.

I think the saddest part of all is how far Christians as a whole have fallen from the place God intended for us. We are most often identified by our reputation as a condescending, judgmental people who care more about our own prejudices and following a strict set of laws rather than loving unconditionally. This stereotype is even harder to overcome when there are churches passing judgment and tearing each other down, rather than uniting in the common mission of reaching out and bringing glory to God. Jesus said that "all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Is that really the way people identify us? Are they able to see light from us and point us out by the love we exhibit? I hate to admit that in my case, I can't be so sure.

I've felt very convicted of this lately, and I have to say that I feel my pride is stealing the spotlight. I've never really considered myself a prideful person, but after listening to Pastor Justin's sermon over Philippians 2 yesterday as I got ready for class, it's been gnawing away at me. I don't quite know how to explain it. It's the kind of pride that prohibits me from making new friends. John's been telling me lately that not everyone will always automatically want to be my friend and that sometimes I need to make the first move and make an effort to talk to them, sit by them, etc. In a pathetic, childish manner, my response has been, "Well if they don't have to come talk to me, why do I have to go talk to them?" Am in 5th grade? Really, Erica? This has been going on for a while now, but I just really felt my eyes opened to it the other day and was disgusted. It reminds me of the song, "This Little Light of Mine." Am I really going to be so proud, and so quick to put walls up to fend off rejection that I'm going to keep my little light under a bushel? I don't think that's a very good idea. Thankfully, I know God is full of grace... but that doesn't do me much good if I'm too proud to ask for it.

I would appreciate prayers in this area. Also, please pray for my new friend. We had a long talk about religion after class yesterday. He's not anti-anything, but he's very bogged down in the legalities of the Christian church. He felt bad because he had wanted to order a beer when we went to lunch (he's legal), but didn't want to offend John and I since we're "religious." I admitted that while I guess I am considered religious because I believe in and love God, it's not the same sense of religion he's grown up around, full of judgment. I told him a little bit about our church and how it's about so much more than abiding by a rule book. He's a musician, so John and I are hoping he'd be interested in coming to church one week to listen to John lead worship. I pray that he'll be able to see past the stereotype and fall in love with our community and our Father just as much as I have.