Good vs Bad


something that my friend was talking about one sunday
took me a few days to think about it
and here's my take on the issue


-good and bad christians-
is there any distinction between them in the first place?
if so..what makes one good or bad?
physical appearance, way of life or just someone's impression of them?


a brief background on everything..
my church friend, admitably not the most innocent looking person, was labled 'bad christian' by another christian in her class. very obviously, she is fuming mad..not because she is the one but cos her friends got the same treatment too[one who got it pretty bad]. in my opinion, the 'good christian' wasn't that great either..but anyway..


its just so inherent to judge others and categorise them as good or bad..despite knowing that we ought not to do so..a this innate self righteous attitude that we have in us. its certainly true that some pple are not as 'religious'[ in the broadest, most general sense of the word] compared to you or me. maybe if you looked at them and their behaviour, you cannot even tell that they are christians till you find out. but..does that give anyone the right to criticise, bordering on backstabbing, another brother/sister in Christ? perhaps you[or myself for the matter] have forgotten that none of us are perfect, and we never will. have you forgotten what Jesus said about this?


"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her[or him]."
john 8:7b


only if you can be sure that you are without sin will you be entitled to judge others, like God is. before you decide to say something not so nice about someone, perhaps it would be good to look hard at yourself first. once you realise that you are no different and could even act in the same manner, the urge to criticise may disappear. if i could be crude about this..quit being a pharisee!


before this post appears too one-sided, to the one who is judged..it would be wise to reflect on yourself too. no one would have a bone to pick with you for no rhyme or reason, unless its plain bullying. check the way you behave in front of others. its true that you have the right to act/dress/talk in any way you like or deem comfortable..but still be mindful about the impression that you give others. dun forget that above all, you are an ambassador of Christ! is this the image of a child of God that you want to show your friends..someone who is as worldly as them? your behaviour should point them towards God and as christians we have to be set apart. live your life in a way where others have no reason to criticise you. its very difficult no doubt, but when we make the choice to follow Jesus, we have to walk the talk! i dun profess to have attain that stage of 'perfection', i'm still learning and trying to do so too.. but we have to always remember to live our lives worthy of the gospel.


And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Col 1:10


yup..my two-cents worth:)