Many Christians who are proud of their association with Christ fail to see the reality that at times, they are the reason why so many non-Christians don't like Christianity.
I know this might be hard to read for some, but it has to be said: we have to examine ourselves before we examine others! The Lord Jesus Himself said,
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)
In obedience to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, in this article we'll take a quick look at some ways we Christians can behave or live in a way that's far worse than some non-Christians do.
These things are outlined in the Bible, so be encouraged to seek God for more of these for the purpose of self-evaluation, correction, and growth.
Some ways Christians are worse than unbelievers
1) When we refuse to provide for our families
Some Christians do well in church ministry, but fail to provide for their families. This is wrong in the sight of God. 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us,
"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Pastors and ministers who proudly speak of their church but fail to provide for their spouses and children (and widowed parents) ought to realize that that is wrong.
2) When we act religious but live like we don't know God
Many carry the name of Christ but live like He doesn't matter to them. Instead of treating Him as Lord, they treat themselves as their own lords. 2 Timothy 3:2-5 tells us,
"For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
We ought not to be Christians by religious affiliation. We ought to live lives that are wholly submitted to Christ.
3) When we live selfish, worldly lives
Christians who live worldly lives centered on their selfish desires should realize that God doesn't like that. James 4:1-4 says,
"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
Final thoughts
We can't carry the name of Christ and expect to be given a free pass to live a selfish, worldly life. If we truly are Christian, our lives will show it. Christ the Lord Himself demands it:
"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)
