Sometimes I’m A Jerky Christian

I’m a Christian and sometimes I’m a jerk.

There.

I’ve said it.

Sometimes, I’m even a jerk online but I show a different face to the rest of the world.

I’ve heard it said that real life is offline. Yet, with social media, it’s so easy to do what I like to call a “hit and run” – a snarky little comment on a Facebook post, news story, etc. I’m pretty sure Jesus would like me to represent myself the same online, at work, and with my family. There are days that I am better at this than others.

In John 13:34-35 Jesus says,

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The fact is, we all fall short of the glory of God. Am I the same Christian on a Wednesday as I am on a Sunday at 11 a.m.? Not always. Often, I make the same stupid mistakes over and over again.

I have to remember people are watching me.

I have to remember the thing that turned me off of Christianity before I became a Christian was the hypocrisy I saw.

I have to remember not to be a jerk today.

Love God, love His people, right?

I’m praying God helps me to be less of a jerky Christian who pushes people away from Him today, and more of the Christian who draws people to Jesus…online and off-line.

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:29-32