In a time when being Christian is increasingly at odds with being a part of the culture around us, it is important for those of us who represent Jesus (and perhaps for those who know us?) to have a clear understanding of the difference between someone who follows Jesus, and someone who doesn’t. In other words, what does “Christian” actually look like?
Last the world watched as news of the murder of nine men and women was reported. The headlines were unmistakable not only in the facts, but in the spin being put on the facts: “Nine black men and women murdered by a white gunman”.
The headlines, of course, are true—to a point. But only to a point. Because what they don’t tell you is those nine men and women were not primarily “black men” and “black women”. They were citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. They were people who were representing their country (The Kingdom—not a worldly association) by trying to love this young white man who came into their meeting. By his own account they were so consistent in this pursuit that he almost changed his mind about killing them. But he didn’t. And while serving their King, they were killed in the line of duty. This is what “Christian” looks like.
Their families and friends were, of course, devastated. To try to describe the pain they endured—and will continue to endure—would be presumptuous and arrogant. We can only understand that they are going through something so difficult we can’t understand. And yet, in the middle of that, they acted consistently with their allegiance to the Kingdom. They faithfully represented our King in the press and in the courts, by remembering they serve Him and have a duty to Him.
Their words are available to the public in many places, so I will only quote one here. After sharing how devastated they were by the killing of Myra Thompson, one of her family members, Anthony Thompson, said this to Dylann Roof:
“I forgive you, and my family forgives you. We would like you to take this opportunity to repent. Repent. Confess. Give your life to the one who matters the most, Christ, so he can change your ways no matter what happens to you and you’ll be Ok. Do that and you’ll be better off than you are right now.”
These family members, in the midst of their grief, remained faithful to the mission of reconciliation Jesus gave us. I believe they are heroes in my country—the Kingdom of Heaven, and I stand in awe of the strength it took for them to be this faithful. That’s what “Christian” looks like.
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