Hypocrites, Hospitals, And The Hall Of Fame

Grace is given to heal the spiritually sick, not to decorate spiritual heroes. ~  Martin Luther

Those Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites.

We’ve all heard it. We don’t like it. And it’s true.

Following Jesus involves inevitable paradox. Our theology professes a set of lofty principles and maintains we cannot possibly adhere to them. From our perspective, it’s an irresolvable dilemma. We’re flawed, broken creatures; left alone, we always fall short.

That’s what makes grace so amazing. God’s grace solves the unsolvable. Without grace, Christian theology makes no sense. It’s inherently hypocritical and irrational. At the risk of oversimplification, we proclaim three fundamental truths:

  1. God’s standards are clear and unchanging.
  2. We will always fail in our efforts to meet God’s standards.
  3. Because of grace, Christ accomplished what we cannot.

I think the world’s perception of Christians as hypocrites arises because we’re pretty good at preaching #1, our behavior verifies #2, and we tend to minimize #3.

When we only proclaim #1, we cast the church as an exclusive, gold-plated club with high qualifications for entry. The unworthy need not apply for the hall of fame unless they measure up.

When outsiders compare our actions to our words, the hall of fame fades into a hollow, self-serving delusion. Members wear themselves out congratulating each other while apparently ignoring behaviors that consistently contradict the pious speech.

Grace completely erases the hall-of-fame image. In the light of grace, the church becomes the hospital for which Jesus designed it.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4: 5-6)

I’m not disappointed when Christians make mistakes or fail to live according to their professions. Since the standard is unattainable, we all fall short. I try and I don’t succeed. I don’t do what I want, and I do what I don’t want.

“Nobody’s perfect” isn’t a dismissive excuse; it’s simple, undeniable truth.

But I am dismayed when believers, including myself, leave grace out of the equation. Grace allows me to honestly examine my attitudes and actions, admit my failures, and hold myself accountable. Grace motivates me to seek feedback from others to ensure that I reflect Christ to the best of my ability.

Grace reminds me that I don’t qualify for the hall of fame and that I’m in desperate need of a hospital. Grace inspires me to extend to others the forgiveness I’ve received as an undeserved gift.

I hope that’s the message of Relentless Grace. I did my best to rebel and run away. God refused to give up on me, and He won’t give up on you, either. I needed a hospital. He gave me an eternal hall of fame.

What’s a situation in which you find it difficult to reflect grace to others?

Please leave a comment, visit my website, and/or send me an email at rich@richdixon.net

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