Christians In Movies

While it was done in a humorous way it still stung me a little to think that that's how Christians are often perceived. 

Job 18:1-21

Reference:  v.21 Surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who knows not God.  (TNIV Bible)

Explore:  Last week I was watching a movie where Christians were yet again represented as being dorky, opinionated and self-righteous.  They sat in a group, removed from the rest of the students, and looked down on people who were not in their clique.  While it was done in a humorous way it still stung me a little to think that that's how Christians are often perceived. 

Application:  There are stereotypes allocated for every group and even Christians put certain expectations on themselves.  It is thought that if you are truly in tune with God then you have direction, purpose and earthly blessing.  This blessing supposedly means that you have a comfortable lifestyle, your family are all healthy and nothing goes wrong in your life.  However I have found time and time again that this does not translate into the lives of Christians I know.  A friend of mine has a daughter who is anorexic, another friend is really struggling to find a good job and another is going through an ugly divorce.  All these people are God-honouring Christians and yet have struggles in their life.  Job's friends questioned his faith when disaster struck his life, and yet it seems that Job was chosen because he was so righteous.  We can not judge someone's faith by what we see on the outside, otherwise we are being just as judgemental as the screen writers who depict Christians in such a negative way.  The outward appearance does not always represent what is happening on the inside and only God truly knows about His relationship with His children.

Prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being so judgemental of others.  May we not look at the outward appearance but be more like You and look to the heart.  Amen.

What do you think it means to be blessed? 

Job