Christian or Jesus Follower

 You read my title and might think, isn't that the same thing?  I used to think so.  My mom grew up a "Christian" and in her 20's she walked away for awhile.  When she started going back to church she kind of swung WAY "right", thankfully she has found more of a balance (and so have I)...but one thing that will always stick out to me from that time is her saying she knew she had to "look at Christ" and not his followers.  The name "Christian" has a long horrid history full of hate and oppression.  You might call me a cynic or negative but this fact is something I am actually studying in school right now and what I'm seeing more everyday is that nothing has really changed.  Sure, the oppression isn't as "in your face" as it was in the 1500's and on but the systemic racism is in our roots and we need to dig it out.  I'm not just talking about racism here either as just a general hatred.  Isn't Jesus all about love?  YES HE IS.  Sadly though, his followers have gotten away from that.  Some might say, "well we're all just human" which is true, no one is perfect BUT I'm not talking about the everyday slight misstep...I'm talking about overt, toxic HATRED.  Let me give some examples.  In the last few years, these are some things that have been said to myself or my loved ones both on the internet and in person by "Christians"...

"You're Asian?  You must have the corona virus."

(In response to a different viewpoint on voting for specific legislation) -

You can't be a Democrat and Christian.", "Go to hell."

(Responding to me saying that we should listen to doctors about covid-19 advice and not the president)-

"Go back to California."

Now about justice...in some Christian circles when you talk about "social justice", you are immediately labeled "liberal".  If you mention you support Black Lives Matter, they like to tell you that they are terrorists and only use violence to get their message across.  One of my favorite verses has always been Micah 6:8 "Seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God."  In fact, in a couple months I'm getting it tattooed on my arm.  What is social justice really about?  Equality and love.  What is Jesus about?  Equality and love.  So in essence, shouldn't Christians be about those things?  I'm getting a certificate in Social Justice because I believe that God has given me a passion for it, I don't think it's just something I'm interested in...I think it's my mission.  I'm starting to see though that my passion for social justice is not going to be very acceptable in the church.  Maybe that's a good thing because we need to challenge the status quo, sometimes we need to "stir it up".  I'm just starting to feel like if anyone should be speaking out against white supremacy, violence against Asian women and Black men and women...IT SHOULD BE THE CHURCH.  In some cases I am seeing that and it makes me happy, but in most, I'm not.

This is why every day I am leaning more into calling myself a Jesus Follower and NOT a Christian.  If my faith was based on what I see in my brothers and sisters in Christ, I would have freaking left the church a LONG time ago.  But I love Jesus with all my heart.  I feel the Holy Spirit and I know they are here with me.  I'm going to do my best to love and pray for these people and I'm going to look to Jesus as my example.

If I have the opportunity to march with BLM or any other group that is crying out for justice and change, I will do it.  If I have the chance to speak out against white supremacy, hate, violence and ignorance, I WILL DO IT.

Let's not forget that our faith is based on Jesus and this...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

If someone doesn't vote like you, believe like you, look like you...before you say whatever is in your head, CHECK YOURSELF. (Trust me, I say this to myself as well...it's a daily struggle)


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