It Only Takes One Bad Apple
Last week, my husband was scrolling on his phone and mentioned a post he found. I can’t remember the exact wording, but it went something like this, “I like your Christ, but not your Christians.” While I sat there in silence, verbally sparring in my head with the person who posted the comment, I started to really think about “why” this person would have said that.
The part about liking Christ was a no-brainer; what’s not to like? He was perfect, sinless, kind, compassionate, a healer of the sick, and He raised the dead. He came to earth in a human form, but He wasn’t human; He was God. Not “a” God, but GOD!
Why, then, would someone not like Christians? As a Christian, we are called to be “like” Christ. He is our example of how we should live our lives. Since they liked our example, it would reason that they would also like us. Unless…maybe this person has encountered someone who professes to be a Christian, but their ways aren’t exactly Christ-like.
Have you ever been bitten by a dog? If you have, then you probably have a healthy fear of all dogs, even though it was only one dog who bit you. If you ever had a boyfriend who was verbally or physically abusive, then you might develop a mistrust of men. In other words, it only takes one bad apple to ruin the whole bag.
It is possible that the person who posted the comment knew a professed Christian who was not kind or compassionate. It is possible that they came into contact with someone who was a gossiper, judgemental, holier than thou, and looked down on everyone. Maybe, they encountered a Sunday-only Christian who lived a very un-like Christ life the other six days of the week.
We will never know why this person lumped all Christians into the comment. I can only hope that one day they will encounter the Proverbs 31 woman who will make them realize that they should never lump everyone together.
1 Corinthians 11:1
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
We are called to follow Christ’s example while He walked this earth. We are to be a disciple and make a disciple. How we act and live our lives is a direct reflection on Christ, and those who are watching will either come toward Christ or away from Him.
I like our Christ too, and I want to be a Christian who will bring others to Him!
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Thank you for this wonderful encouragement to live our lives for Christ. 😊
My grandchildren do not attend a church regularly so when they get to spend the weekend with Nana & Papa they come to church as we are very involved in our Christian community. Our service dismisses children in 5th grade and younger to children’s’ church after worship music. My grandson who is 6 was with us 2 weeks ago and would not go – so he stayed with Nana. He was very good about sitting thru and busied himself with drawing. He even helped me after service clean up communion dishes. In that moment not realizing until later that I was teaching him. The following weekend we got an inquiry from my step-daughter ( his mom) about service times – this was completely out of the blue. Hoping that his weekend with us made an impact and started a movement….
So true! May I live my life in every situation so that it brings glory to God. Thank you, Tania!
You’re blessed to be a blessing to others! Ezekiel 36:27 – And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them. Thank you!
So true. Someone, way back in my past made the statement “You may be the only ‘Christ’ some people ever see”. A very profound and weighty statement to think about. That is what Christian means, however. We are to be “Christ-like”. In his sermon yesterday, our pastor revealed the secret of how to love like Christ loved. Love for others does not come from our hearts. Indeed, it cannot; it must come from above. It must come from God who is the source of love. It is only through God that we can truly show Christ-like love to everyone. Not loving the sin, but loving the sinner enough to point him/her to a forgiving Savior who offers grace upon grace.
Thank you for being bold and writing about your faith. It is a blessing to know that people are unafraid to speak out about the Lord!
Good message. I heard a sermon today about not just being believers in Christ but followers.
Thanks for your Sunday lessons-always give me something to think about!
Amen! Awesome post! We are clothed in human skin and are made of flesh. Im always convicted of just what a sinful mess I am and how my words and actions at times could have led another person to doubt Christianity because of my behavior or words, ugh!! Thank God for His grace, and mercy but God forgive me for my messes I’ve had along my journey with Him. Love your blog and your transparency in living a Christian life!
Happiest Sunday to you and your family♥️
Love that you share your faith. Definitely an extra reason to read your blog and posts.
Love this! Everyday we have to make a choice to be like Jesus….that means showing love and grace.
Truth. This is a great reminder that someone is always watching us. Being Christ-like should be a way of living!
Your post is a good reminder of what the Bible says about believers becoming stumbling blocks to others. People are watching us whether we realize it or not, so we must line up our lives with the Word of God. I sure do not want to be an obstacle to those around me. Thank you for your posts.
Preach it, Sister! Actually, your words are very convicting to me. I want to be a draw-er and not a repeller, to the Lord. Am I a good example of that? Sometimes I know I’m not. Great reminder, Tania!
Hi Tania,
I am brand new to your website and blog. I love it! Your blog post today is great. The good apples are easy to love. The bad ones will come around eventually, we just need to keep pressing on. With love. Through Christ. Amen. 🤗
Tania, beautiful message. Right on.
God help us all to be more like Jesus.
Keep looking to Jesus, HE is the only one to follow after.
Love in HIM,
Roeli
Canadian
This follows the sermon we had today-great lesson for all🙏❤️
Even one bad apple can tarnish the others. I guess it is far better to have the one bad than to be the only good one. Love your insights and enjoy your posts.
With all the terrible things happening in the world, you bring light into our darkness.
Great post. Our old pastor (long deceased) used to say the most read version of the Bible is the BBV, “the believer’s behavior version.” It is not always easy to be Christ’s ambassador- but the words of that wise pastor often come back to me when I have my bad moments.
Thank you so much Tania for the $50 Amazon gift card. I will have to do some shopping. I follow your blog everyday. Continue your hard work, us women need you !!
Thank you!!
Yay! I’m glad you got the card. Congratulations again!
That’s a quote from Ghandi. Sadly, not all people who say they are Christians choose to follow the examples of Christ.
Tania, that was so beautifully said! Happy Sunday❤🙏❤
You’re right about that. All it takes is one.
Thank you for this reminder!
Your posts make my day. I try to live this each day.
Your Christian ways Tania helped bring me back around to Him! I’m forever grateful for your Sunday posts.🙏
Nancy!!! This makes my day! I’m so so thrilled that the Lord used me to talk to you.
Well said!
Love your devotional posts and look forward to reading them each week!
very true… Love thy neighbor as thyself. Have a Blessed day and thank you for this post
Very thoughtful post.
Thank you so much for your blessing this beautiful crisp fall morning!! How anyone can not believe in Christ after seeing the wonders of the world is unbelievable to me! To God Be The Glory!!
Thank you! I too, want to be Christ like. A wonderful thought provoking post. Have a wonderful Sunday! ❤️
Thank you for speaking the truth🙏
I always love to read your devotionals! You inspire me every day.
Amen! 🙏🏻
Words we all need to strive to live by.
Amen
A great reminder to live your life byThe Golden Rule- “Do to others what you would have them do to you” Matthew 7:12.
Tania,
The main reason I continue to follow your fashion blog (and dropped others) is not only your helpful shopping tips/ trends but most importantly your sharing of Christ and Christian values with posts every single day, sharing with many.
Blessings to you.
Thank you for the awesome post. It is just what I needed to read this morning!
How often I’ve heard , you may be the only Christ your neighbors see. I pray daily that my speech and actions bring glory and honor to God…I know I often fall short.
Thank you for todays post.
God is love. It would have been better if the person had explained the comment. We are not to judge others and if we encounter a bad apple we should pray for that person.
Well said and so important to remember. I love starting my day reading your posts.
Have a glorious day.
Amen!
very wise reasoning. I endeavor to be a good example, not the one who spoils the bag.
Thank you again for sharing your Sunday devotional with us.
Amen. Christ sacrificed himself for us! That is unconditional love.