Judgement in the Streets

This past weekend, my girls and I visited New Orleans! It was so much fun catching up with them, joking around, and making wonderful new memories which I am sure we will talk about for years to come.  This was my first visit to New Orleans.  I’ve always wanted to go there to experience their culture, eat beignets, and listen to live jazz on the streets (and I did just that!) 

The first night my friends and I decided to grab a bite to eat and explore the infamous Bourbon Street.  There was so much activity on that bustling street! I felt like I was experiencing sensory overload! The crowd was diverse with many races, ages, and backgrounds.  There were hundreds of people walking, laughing, and dancing down the street.  It was quite a lively atmosphere! Some of the things I saw shocked me, though.  There were strippers and half naked women prancing and dancing down the street (which was a lot for a small-town girl like me to see).  But overall, it was an animated and interesting experience.

Also on that energetic street was a small Christian group.  They stood in the middle of the street with a makeshift cross they had erected.  This group was not smiling.  They did not appear to be friendly or approachable. They did not attempt to “converse” with others.   They just stood there talking among themselves around the cross. Many people passed by them and I did not notice them speak directly to anyone.  Yet, there was an unspoken message that resounded loudly: You are a sinner.  You need to turn from your wicked ways and follow The Lord. 

When I walked passed the group an older gentleman handed me a small flyer which read “God loves you.”  That was it.  No conversation.  No greeting.  No smile - just a piece of paper with a message that did not match the old man’s demeanor.  Now, to some this may not be a big deal because God does love me.  But, I felt slighted and instantly judged as a sinner.  Yes, me…a believer…with an inspirational blog…who attends church regularly…and has a relationship with God…felt judged.

This led me to wonder how non-believers and those who may not have been introduced to Jesus yet may have felt when walking past this group. Did they also feel judged? Did they feel labeled? Did they feel uncomfortable? Let me be clear, I respect the Christian group’s intent and I think it is wonderful that they want to share God’s word with the lost.  However, I believe that their approach could be improved. I wonder if that group influenced any to accept Jesus during that weekend.  The message they handed me is absolute good news and this good news is something that should be excitedly shared!  However, it’s difficult for non-believers to accept our message if we are not examples of it.  Our God is compassionate towards us (Psalm 103:8) and He loved us while we were still sinners.   He demonstrated that love by sending His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8).  His love covers a multitude of sins and He keeps no record of wrongs (1 Peter 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 13:5).  There are many who are living in opposition to God’s way mainly because they do not know that God truly loves them.   Let us show them God’s love and His desire to have them become a part of His family.  Let us share God’s word and speak His truths with joy and with a smile.  We need to do more than just make a statement on Facebook, or post a picture on Instagram, or wear a cross to show forth our relationship with God.  Instead, let us mirror His love.  You know how the expression goes, actions speak louder than words.  So as believers, we can’t just talk the talk…we have to walk the talk!  I believe the group of believers would have been more effective if they stood there with the cross and smiled at people and engaged them in conversation about the faith. 

So today, I encourage you to reflect on how you share God’s message with others.  More importantly, does your lifestyle and demeanor mimic God’s message?  Remember, we are stepping up this year.  But as we elevate spiritually we must not exalt ourselves and look down on those who are struggling.  #BreakOut