SCARED STIFF

I heard a statistic yesterday that sent shivers up my spine. I want you to take a moment to think about what this statistic means: 68% of Britons believe in ghosts and spirits. 55% believe in the existence of God. When asked, a large majority of the ghost-believing group say they do so because of television reality shows and documentary programming.
For those not up on their Christian history, here's an interesting tidbit; Europe used to refer to itself as "Christendom." Europeans built amazing cathedrals to accommodate their acts of worship. As pilgrims, missionaries and conquistadors, they sailed the Earth, to convert heathens to the true faith. Now, only 20% attend church once a week. No one quite knows where religion went to in Europe.
I knew this was going on in Europe. It just stunned me to hear it on the 6 o'clock news. Of course, we are a statistical society. If something is 'mainstream' and the majority of the population accept it, well it must be all right then.
Let's look at the statistics I found in a popular Christian magazine. I found these shortly after I heard the news story about the British.
1.5 million Russian women gave birth last year. 1.6 million had abortions. I did some research and found another site that says conservative statistics from abortion clinics state 3-4 million abortions were performance in Russia last year. They say that the average women has from 3 to 8 a year. The government is trying it's best to curb the number of abortions, as the Russian population is steadily running negative. Officials say they are 'doomed to extinction' if abortions aren't reduced dramatically. Abortion is the most popular form of family planning in Russia. Abortion is a stronghold left from the cold war. If I might add, Communism didn't like religion either. Russians were not allowed to express much of their beliefs.
One more set of statistics tonight. This one is three-part, so hang with me.
71% of Americans consider the U.S.A. a "Christian Nation." 41% of Americans have a favorable impression of the "Christian conservative movement." 45% of Americans have a favorable impression of Muslims.

IS THERE A POINT TO ALL THIS?

Believe it or not, there is. Britons support the supernatural more than the Savior. Russians are in the process of self-genocide, and I know some of that is due to a lack of a Savior as well. Now, the statistics for America appear okay, right? We're still a Christian nation. Sure, but statistics tell us that Americans don't like the messenger much.
Let me tell you what the bible says we should act like:

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good...Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer...Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Live in harmony with one another...Do not repay anyone evil for evil...Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12.9-21

No one should allow a human to represent all that is meant by Christianity. If you see flaws in us it is because we are flawed. Only Jesus is not flawed. He modeled what is meant in those words from Romans perfectly. We are a shadow in the Sahara winds by comparison. Should we try to live those words? Of course, God helps us everyday to grow in Him.
It's easy in these times to not see the forest for the trees. Television and print can portray the Christian as a fundamentalist and not tolerant. Fortunately, the truth is that we are a work in progress. Why God uses humans to represent Him is a mystery, but it's a divine mystery of love on His part.
If you have a desire to know Him more, or know Him better, don't let people get in the way. It's people that caused the statistics for England and Russia. Let the God of the Universe speak to you Himself. Think about it.