SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

How to Separate the Disciple From the Christian

Much discussion has occurred lately on the flaws of Christians and how many of us behave towards others.

How to Separate the Disciples From the ChristiansPeople fly under the label of being ‘Christian’ as if it is an excuse to behave poorly. They have become judge and jury for those that step out of alignment with their beliefs. Holding themselves to a set of laws that were written thousands of years ago and adapted them to meet their needs and to be able to admonish others while condoning their own behavior.

I recently listened to the first two parts of an ongoing podcast series by Andy Stanley. The podcast titled ‘Christian:Brand Recognition’ tugged at my own heart. Over the past several months I have had an internal debate that at times has been vocalized. Feeling frustrated with my Christian brethren that claim to be disciples yet did not behave ‘Christian.’

A bit disenfranchised with the behavior of Christians as of late, I began to wonder. How can people who call themselves Christians be so hateful? We have become judgmental, homophobic and sometimes even worse. Standing high on our pillars we cast a disparaging eye on those that don’t meet our expectations.

I frequently am reminded of the quote attributed to Ghandi many years ago “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” These are powerful words spoken about a people who claim to be followers of Christ.

Is this really what being a Christian is supposed to be about? Maybe I am not so much a Christian as I hoped to be?

His Pain Became Our Gain

On this Good Friday, I am reminded of a somber moment. A moment where His pain became our gain.
As his pierced hands were nailed to the cross. The spear lanced his side. Our salvation poured out onto the ground on that hill. He suffered a death that no one should endure in order to cleanse the earth of its sin and make us pure.
We are closing in on the end of our forty days of Lent, many of whom can barely hold on a couple more days. Yet He held on, his friends denied him and He still held on. He carried the burden of the worlds’ sin, yet He held on. Even in His dying, as He hung on the cross, He held onto each one of us in his heart.

~ 1 Peter 2:24
Have you died to yourself this Lenten season? Given up your sin and embraced a new relationship with your Father? He will rise again in three days and carry your burdens with Him. Did you give him your sin to take home?
As believers whether Christian or Catholics (not sure why there has been such a hoopla lately on the difference) we all sin regularly. We fail daily and are burdened to carry our own cross. During Lent we are asked to fast, pray and give alms as symbols of

Touched by the Holy Spirit

As Christians we travel through life guided and touched by the Holy Spirit. Or are we? We thrive in life through our flesh rather than being guided by the light. We profess that we believe, but do you? Last weekend I spent getting my world shattered. I know I am broken, we all are to some extent. But when you have your brokenness laid out before you and are called to look it straight in the eye. How would you react? Sure I read my Bible, go to Church, tithe and “act Christian.” As many do I wear the t-shirts, preach the gospel. But that is not enough. I might as well be a heathen. I hide my sins, my pain and scars. Thinking that there is no way God would ever forgive a wretch like me. Holding onto years of anger and bitterness only drives the nails in deeper. Living in darkness becomes easy. “Let’s ask ourselves: are we open to the Holy Spirit, do I pray to him to enlighten me, to make me more sensitive to the things of God?” ~ Pope Francis Knees bruising from the weight of by burdened soul. I knelt down for what seemed like forever. For the first time in my life, I felt home. Home among thousands, yet the Holy Spirit chose me to be the one. Touched by the light, His fire and spirit burned from inside me. Crying like a small child, I asked for forgiveness. Relieve me from the pain of this darkness. Bring me from the […]