This is an anonymous guest post that I received several years ago and decided to repost today. I usually avoid anonymous entries, but this post really struck a chord with me. It's a letter that every Christ-follower needs to read. It might change the way you look at those who around you who don't share your same faith. And if you too are interested in guest posting on my blog (preferably not anonymously), please visit my Guest Post guidelines for more info.
Dear Mr. Christian,
Hi...I'm not like you. I'm no "believer" but I wanted to have a little heart to heart with you since you seem to be interested in wearing your God on your sleeve. I'll be candid so don't be offended. I'll try not to make fun of your Jesus fish or your cool Christian gear. This is just my open letter.
First, can you stop treating Christianity like an STD? I'm not scared of catching it from you. I know that sometimes you're so afraid to offend me that you sort of get paranoid and weird. Relax dude. There are times when I'm even a little curious by things you do (like why you practically live at church or have the weirdest & most fluctuating diet ever) but why do you get so awkward about it?
It seems like you give me the shortest and most canned answers possible – answers that someone probably told you when you were 4. Do me a favor – actually THINK about why you do what you do and tell me as honestly and simply as you can. Maybe even ask me a follow up question or two.
And while we're on the communication thing, can I ask you another favor? Speak English!
I know it's not your first language. You learned Church-ish with a side of Christianese first, but I'm not fluent in either of those. Please don't tell me about the "blood of Christ" and expect me not to think of a transfusion. Don't tell me about the "incarnation" without expecting me to nod along with a blank stare. Explain those things to me in terms I understand.
I think your Jesus talked to simpler people than me. How did they understand all that stuff? You know how it is, even the terms that are common have lost their meaning...unless your church celebrates the bunny and the guy in the red suit on major holidays (although chocolate and shipping are practically sacred these days).
I know I’m focusing on what you say, but we all know that what you do matters more. You never know who's right behind you (I mean that in the least creepy way possible).Those times when the boss really flipped out on you and you didn't do what I would do… that was great! That time the lady in the next cubicle offered you her number to "discuss work" and you told her that your wife may not be comfortable with that… yeah, I noticed that too!
Keep showing your integrity. Make those sacrifices and tough decisions that scream louder than any preacher. Raise the bar for purity, love and humility here. But please, DON'T take that as pressure to be perfect.
I know you're messed up (no offense) but it's how you deal with your failure that really gives me hope. You're sometimes too scared of being a "hypocrite" but trust me, the way to avoid that is to be authentically human, not by pretending to be flawless (nobody's buying that anyway, trust me).
Let me tell you the basic reason for this letter. I need to see your God in you. I'm not picking up those fliers from the loud street people and I won't listen to the flashy televangelist who just woke up in a new Bugatti. You're it for me (no pressure though). You see, I've created a phony god in my own image and have spent half my life running from him, and the other half hating him.
Can you show me that he's nothing like I imagined him to be?
Show me that He's alive in you, Mr. Christian.