The Dishonest Truth: Why Christians Struggle with Biblical Commands

As a dedicated Christian myself, I have often been disappointed by the actions and attitudes of my fellow believers. Many do not seem to follow the higher morals and values that we profess to hold dear. Despite the teachings of the Bible, it is clear that there are significant areas where Christians often fall short of the standards set forth by our faith.

Introduction to Biblical Commands

The Bible is filled with commands and principles meant to guide the lives of believers. From the Ten Commandments to Jesus' teachings, there is a wealth of guidance for living a life of faith. However, it is not uncommon to hear stories of Christians who betray these principles, engaging in behaviors that go against the very core of our beliefs.

Morally Lacking in the Christian Community

The rhetoric of the Christian community often portrays an ideal of compassion, honesty, and moral integrity. However, in practice, many Christians do not reflect these values. For instance, issues of discrimination and theft are prevalent, despite the clear teachings in the Bible about treating others with dignity and honesty. These actions stand in stark contrast to the principles of love and justice that the Bible preaches.

The Ten Commandments: A Failing For All Christians

Let's take a closer look at some of the Ten Commandments, which are among the most fundamental guidelines in Christianity. Here are ten areas where many Christians, including myself, struggle to live up to:

1. Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, and Strength

Christianity places a high priority on loving God. However, I have met many Christians who struggle to show this love in their daily lives. This command is not just about attending services or reading the Bible but about fully dedicating oneself to God's will. Many Christians want to be saved but lack the genuine commitment to love Jesus with all their hearts.

2. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

One of the most challenging aspects of loving others is the acceptance and love for those who may not align with our views or treat us kindly. Despite Christ's clear commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, its practice remains inconsistent. Dealing with the flaws and imperfections of others can be difficult, but such love forms the foundation of a just and harmonious society.

3. Treat Others as You Would Want To Be Treated

The Golden Rule, as taught by Jesus, is a powerful principle that encourages us to treat others the way we would want to be treated. If Christians could truly embody this principle, the world would undoubtedly be a better place. Yet, it is an area where there is significant room for improvement.

4. Do Not Divorce

One of the more visible failures in the Christian community is the high rate of divorce. Despite the strong condemnation of divorce by Christ, it still is a significant problem for Christians. In the Western world, the divorce rate for Christians is approximately 50%, highlighting a clear gap between belief and practice.

5. Do Not Commit Sexual Immorality

Sexual purity is a core value in Christianity, yet there are many Christians who engage in premarital and extramarital sexual activities. This is a significant departure from the teachings that emphasize chastity and holiness.

6. Do Not Worship Idols

The concept of not worshiping idols includes anything that takes precedence over God, such as money, power, or excessive focus on career success. Many Christians struggle to prioritize God over these other idols, which can lead to a fragmented relationship with Him.

7. Love Your Enemies and Do Good to Them

This is a command that is extraordinarily difficult to follow. It requires a level of compassion and forgiveness that goes beyond human nature. Jesus' teachings on this are profound and nuanced, yet they are often seen as too challenging to practice.

8. Preach the Gospel to the Whole World

The Great Commission is a clear call to actively spread the message of Christ worldwide. However, the reality is that most Christians do not share the gospel with others on a regular basis. Few are missionary candidates, and this is a notable area where many fall short.

9. Do Not Be Afraid

Christians are encouraged to not be afraid, as recorded 365 times in the Bible. Yet, fear and anxiety remain prevalent among believers. This command seeks to empower Christians to stand firm in their faith, but it is consistently tested in real-life situations.

10. You Cannot Serve Both God and Money

The tension between serving God and pursuing money is often a struggle. Christ teaches that we must choose one over the other, yet the allure of material success can easily lead Christians to compromise their faith. This conflict is a persistent issue in the Christian community.

The Imperfection in Following Jesus

It is important to recognize that following Christ and fully adhering to the commands in the Bible is a significant challenge. Perfection is not expected, and there is always the potential for fallibility. Despite these shortcomings, the good news is that Jesus loves us unconditionally and forgives our failures. He redeems us from our sins, and His grace covers all our flaws.

Conclusion

If you find yourself falling short of these biblical commands, know that it does not change the love God has for you. The journey of faith is not about being perfect but about striving to be better every day with the help of God's grace.