The term “evangelical Christian” has nearly become a byword in our culture. Some of it is deserved. In recent years I have grown tired of evangelical Christians. Allow me to share a few of the reasons why:

I’m tired of people claiming the name of Christ and showing little interest in His bride, the church. Absolutely anything can get in the way of regular attendance, especially kids’ events. “Oh, sorry we haven’t been here in a while, the kid have been playing soccer/basketball/football/baseball/track/band/dance/lacrosse/science club/mathletes.” It’s these same parents that come running to the pastor when their kid turns their back on God, wondering “what went wrong?”

I’m tired of Christians supporting absolutely any candidate the GOP throws in the ring, as long as they promise to lower taxes and support the military. Let’s forget about character, ethics, morality, or anything substantive in our hunger for political victory. Don’t forget, it’s what Jesus would do. What if Jesus would vote third-party because the candidate has better moral qualifications? “Voting third-party is a wasted vote. This guy isn’t perfect, but he’s the ‘lesser of two evils.’” Tell me again why I should vote for evil. Maybe we need to be more concerned with God’s kingdom, and giving account before Him one day over who is in the White House.

I’m tired of excuses for poor financial stewardship and lack of tithing. I will be honest enough to admit that I don’t see anywhere in the New Testament that says we need to tithe 10%. But, if 10% was the standard in the Old Testament, before grace, are we really going to give less now that we live under grace thanks to Jesus? And when the average American Christian “tithes” 1.3% – I think we need to reconsider our priorities. What excuse will you give for not giving when you reach Heaven? You needed another X-Box? Another car? Another vacation? Yep, Jesus is gonna love all those.
I’m tired of Christians that are so unlearned and biblically illiterate that they will believe absolutely any pop-culture false Gospel that comes their way. “The Shack is such a beautiful picture of God’s relationship with people.” Really? Do you want me to count the heresies in the story for you? “I can be healthy, wealthy, and wise if I just have enough faith.” That’s called a prosperity Gospel and it’s false. “My horoscope says…” No, just stop. American Christians know more about their favorite reality, movie, or sports stars than they do about the Bible. It is entirely possible to have an intelligent conversation with a typical church-attending Christian about anything: weather, fishing, sports, Netflix shows, Facebook meme’s. But it is nearly impossible to have an intelligent conversation about theological topics. This is damning evidence that Christians are not engaging their lost neighbors, co-workers or friends with the Gospel.

I’m tired of finding out that self-identified Christians harbor racist views. We want to pretend that Christians aren’t racist, but it’s simply not true. It was Southern Baptist’s in the south that resisted integration during the civil rights movement. And today, it is many Christians that continue to cling to racist ideas. I know a town where the “white church” and the “black church” each post people at the door to prevent the “wrong color” from walking in to their church. Let me just say that Jesus doesn’t attend those churches. He’s the wrong color for both of them.

I’m tired of seeing people duped by clearly false teachers. Sure, I can name names: Joel Osteen, Steven Furtik, Paula White, Creflo Dollar, Bishop Eddie Long. Should I keep going? Because Christians are so biblically illiterate, they are duped by false teachers with the most egregious ideas. Such ideas include: you don’t have to change to be a Christian, there are many ways to Heaven, your health and wealth depend on your faith, and Jesus died to make you happy. None of these ideas can be found in the Bible, but don’t tell Christians that.

I’m really tired of the fighting between Christians over eschatology. Eschatology is the doctrine of last things, and there is ongoing debate over whether pre-trib or post-trib is right; and whether there is a literal millennium or not. Look, I’m all for a healthy discussion where people are humble enough to admit that we can’t know for sure while respecting the beliefs of those that disagree. But fighting and arguing over what will happen in the end? Seriously? Let me blunt: it doesn’t matter. Here’s what we know for sure, Jesus is coming one day. What you believe beyond that has no bearing on the Gospel and should not result in arguments.

I’m tired of in-fighting among Christians over whether Calvinism or Arminianism is right. If you aren’t sure what these words mean, see the section about biblically illiterate Christians. For the rest of you, stop. These labels will no more win the lost than Joel Osteen will preach the Gospel. And I understand that you are “absolutely convinced” that your position is right. But have you ever tried to have an intelligent conversation with someone from “the other side” and understand their position? You might be surprised at how much you can learn by engaging people with views that aren’t your own. You might even learn more about your own position. But if all you’re going to do is sling names and ad-hoc arguments heard on social media meme’s, maybe you should just not say anything at all.

I’m tired of the lame, unbiblical, outdated, overused, cowardly excuses Christians give for why they are leaving their church. If your reason for leaving your church is the music, lack of programs, don’t like the kids ministry, not enough kids, the way people dress, or anything remotely related to these…you’re wrong. What you need to know is the church is not about you and “meeting your needs.” I know, shocker. The church is for no other purpose than teaching the truths of Scripture, praising God, glorifying Christ, and observing the sacraments. Anything else is just details and preference. It might surprise you to know this, but the church doesn’t have to cater to your opinions or preferences. How about looking for ways to serve and letting the Holy Spirit change you?

Most of all, I’m tired of the sin in my own heart. It calls to me daily to enjoy a moment of pleasure and forget about the season of death that will follow. I struggle daily to kill the sin that lives in me. The battle is never ending and tiring. My soul is weary. My heart is heavy.

What makes it harder is that Christians largely don’t know how to “bear one another’s burdens.” We’re too busy being judgmental. This has resulted in Christians being skilled at hiding hurts, struggles, and burdens. I’m no different. I can’t think of a single person I would trust with my secret hurts, worries, and cares. I speak often to Jesus about them and I know He hears, cares, and is willing to lift them from me. I also know that the church is meant to be a “safe space” where we bear the burdens of our brother and sisters in Christ. But, by and large, it’s not. And frankly, I’m not helping by refusing to open up and trust others.

What I long for more than anything else is the day I put off this mortal body of sin and death. When my journey is over and my race is (I hope) won and I fall – joyfully – at the feet of Jesus. I hope to spend 10,000 years sitting at His feet. Should I be blessed enough to hold His robe, or open His door, or wash His feet, I will count myself the most blessed creature ever created. I recognize that I am not worthy of His love. There is nothing good in me that deserves His mercy or grace. When Paul says “I am the chief of sinners” my heart screams “amen” along with Paul.

I once heard it said that “if we fought for our rights” before God, “we’d be in hell tonight.” Surely this is what I deserve. Why God determined before the foundations of the earth to save my poor, sinful soul is beyond me. Why God chose to give me the faith needed to trust in the atoning, redemptive work of Jesus is a mystery.

I’m tired. Tired of what I see in the world around me. Tired of my own sin. But I know where my hope is and in Whom my hope lies. So I will get up tomorrow, and fight.