Are Christians better people because they are Christian?

When we become Christians do we become better than other people? It's certainly the accusation most non-Christians level at the church community. We are perceived as arrogant, holier-than-thou people who shake their finger at the world with a condescending tone rather than washing feet and offering grace. On the other hand, what about the ambitious, self-absorbed person who could care less about the needs of the poor and starving because they have made themselves the center of the universe? Are we better than them?

As Christians, we're not better than other people but we're better than we would be without Jesus.

This reminded me of a fantastic quote by C.S. Lewis in 1944. When asked, "Are there any unmistakable outward signs in a person surrendered to God? Would he/she be less cantankerous?

He gave the following answer: "Take the sour old maid, who is a Christian, but cantankerous. On the other hand, take some pleasant and popular fellow, but who has never been to church. Who knows how much more cantankerous the old maid might be if she were not a Christian, and how much more likeable the nice fellow might be if he were a Christian? You can't judge Christianity simply by comparing the product in those two people; you would need to know what kind of raw material Christ was working on in both cases."

Has anyone noticed a difference in your life because of the transformation Christ is working in your attitude and behavior?

Taken from: C.S. Lewis - Essay Collection and other short pieces. Harper Collins, 2000.

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