Can You Be A"Good Christian?"
The term "good Christian" is floating through my mind today. I've been called that a few times and have even used it myself to describe someone I respected. My thoughts immediately search for its opposite. Logically, if there is a good Christian, then there must be such a thing as a "bad Christian." The more that expression is repeated in my mind, the more ridiculous they both seem--good Christian and bad Christian. Kind of like a "born again Christian" as opposed to a "not born again Christian." Good. Jesus once asked a rich young man, "Why do you call me good?" Tough question. Why would anyone call me good either? I often fail as a citizen of the world. People still starve and suffer in their poverty while I live in relative comfort every day of the year. I often fail as a father, holding my children to a standard that I cannot match. I fail as a teacher, not using every gift I've been entrusted with. I often fail--period. Good? Are you
It is the strangest paradox, yea a mystery to realize that I can be a Christian at all. Because to be a Christian means the actual spirit of Christ resides in me, an imperfect vessel, a jar of clay as Paul reminded the Corinthians. Accepting Christ means accepting this mystery, this grand opportunity, this overwhelming stroke of good luck. Jesus loves me even though I'm not good, and He will live in me even though I'm a jar of clay.
I hope no one calls me a "good" Christian any time soon. I don't feel like one and, in fact, I'm not one. I do want to be known as a Christian though. I want the name of Christ stamped all over me like a UPS Christmas package. Not because I need to show off my grand religious character, but because I want to be handled with the care that a fragile package of clay needs to stay in one piece.
About the Author:
Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.