Another Breed of Comfortable Christian
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In the Christian world, we sometimes hear this phrase — comfortable Christians. Generally, this refers to a group of Christian individuals, particularly in the United States, that have become quite complacent. The term is sometimes used from the pulpits in an attempt to startle the congregation or motivate them toward some kind of action. In the United States we are reminded that there are places on this globe where it’s not easy or comfortable at all to be a Christian. Some people are even persecuted for their faith. On the other hand, comfortable Christians are basically safe and satisfied. They probably sit on padded pews (one cliche example). They probably stand when they feel like it, sit when they feel like it (which is most of the time), and clap when they feel like it (which is almost never).
I don’t believe it’s sinful to be comfortable, and I’m not selling a guilt trip here. But, I am writing to talk to you about another kind of comfortable Christian. Rather than the typical picture we get when we think of comfortable Christians (like the one described in the first paragraph), I’d like to talk about a different species. The first group is basically unaware of any problems and just…out of it. This new group is more unintentionally judgmental.
Buy Ann's book, "Technically, That's Illegal"
These new judgmental Christians are specifically comfortable in their perceived moral standing as compared to other people. These people, rather than trusting the merits of Christ (exclusively) as their saving grace, find mental solace in the fact that their actions aren’t as bad as another person’s. Without knowing it, many Christians find themselves assuming that they find favor in God’s eyes simply because they stay out of trouble. They don’t make waves with the pastor or elders. They have a good reputation in the community, and they have certainly never been in trouble with the law.
We cannot forget the fact that the Lord warned us about pointing out the speck in someone’s eye when we have a plank in our own. If we are the least bit judgmental of a person who has been in trouble with the law, we need to be prepared to follow all of the laws ourselves — All of them…every jot and tittle (so to speak). Of course, I’m not talking about Biblical laws and I don’t want to get into a discussion about being “under the law” vs. being “under grace”. But, there is a pesky passage in Romans 2:1 that comes to mind here.
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
So, the Bible doesn’t condemn judging others, but it does say that you’d better be really, really sure that you’re not doing the same thing. Therefore, wouldn’t it be hypocritical if you judged a person for breaking the law if you were breaking the law? Doesn’t that mean you have to be 100% prepared to follow all of the laws in your area? Do you even know what they are?
If I were to tell you that you’re probably not the law-abiding citizen that you think you are, would you change your mind about the pot smoker who lives next door?
If I were to document innocent people getting ticketed and arrested for benign or even benevolent actions, would you stop looking at the sex offender registry to see how many “creeps” live in your neighborhood?
If I were to tell you that Jesus died for even serial killers and that they can change by the power of God, would you stop watching caught-on-camera-type shows on television that make you feel better about yourself in comparison to others?
If I were to document all of your life’s misdeeds on video, would you want someone to be able to DVR it? What if they were able to Google it or look it up at the state Department of Corrections website?
Like I said, I’m not trying to sell a guilt trip. But, sometimes people ask me how I can be a Christian and be against certain things (like drug laws and sex offender registries). There are tons of reasons, and each issue should probably be addressed individually. For now, I’ll just say that these things (laws that label and criminalize) feed Christians’ judgmental attitude toward others. When the state labels someone as a criminal, we do the same thing in our minds.
As “the church” we already struggle with being known in the world as self-righteous hypocrites. I’m trying to do my part to change that. My views might inadvertently offend someone in the body of Christ. For that, I apologize. I am open to any discussion on these issues that is uplifting and mutually beneficial. Until next time, don’t be too comfortable with yourself. The Lord is watching…and so are some CCTV cameras.
About The Author
Ann Sattley
I am a stay-at-home mom of two wonderful boys. I am a Christian. My husband is a microbiologist. I have a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling. I grew up in rural southern Michigan with two wonderful parents and siblings. I survived a traumatic car accident when I was 20 years old. Somehow all of these things have melded together to make me one very unconventional mommy blogger. You can read more about my life and philosophies in my book, Technically, That's Illegal. I maintain a blog by the same name.
