i am that kind of christian

so, it’s inevitable. with the whole ted haggard scandal, the cynics are hammering out some hate for evangelicals. this group of cynics also includes some of my friends and acquaintances, and being the “strategic” person i am, i start planning how conversations with these people might go.

instantly, my mind goes to the “it’s christians like that who give other christians a bad name” and “i’m not that kind of christian” and then i realize…

i AM that kind of christian.

since becoming a believer, i have lied. i have stolen. i have used god’s name in vain. i have dishonored my parents. i have looked at porn. i have abused alcohol and other mind altering substances. i have thought lustful thoughts and have done lustful things. i have neglected my relationships and put ministry and career first. i have been bitter. jealous. materialistic. i have been unforgiving.

yet i am scandalously forgiven by a provocative father who loves me.

so, mr. haggard, i don’t know you. and you don’t know me. but at least on this little piece of cyberspace, i am standing right with you.

i am that kind of christian.