Perhaps it's my more conscious effort that has brought more fervent backlash than I have ever experienced, but I have had the 'God card' played on me in more than one conversation over the past few weeks. Revealing itself as an eye-roll, an impatient sigh, or a blatant comment similar to "Your God must have one heck of a sense of humor based on the way things are going for me right now!", the 'God card' is meant to stave off any uncomfortable or awkward secular conversation.
While I have never thought of myself as an evangelist or 'Bible-thumper', my inclination is to let others know I am praying for them when they approach me with problems, concerns, or even celebratory news. It's what I do. It's who I am. I don't say this as a common courtesy, or out of some need to be recognized openly as a Christian. I am not trying to convert or convince anyone. It's simply my way.
And when I say, "I am praying for you," I am. Regardless of your beliefs, your troubles, your sorrows, or your way of life, my prayers for you are both sincere and passionate. If I am praying for you, it's because I care for you and whatever the details of our relationship, I am invested in your well-being.
But somehow, this compassion has been twisted into a negative, ugly assumption that the purpose of my sentiment is for personal gain and grandeur. As if I am arrogant in my relationship with God and above all reproach. As if my Christianity proves superiority in all things "human". As if my God is accustomed to rewarding good deeds and issuing crowns of glory for a 'job well-done'.
If you are going to take the time to condemn my faith, please at least understand the basis of that faith: my eternal life is gained only by grace through faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. No works of my own can earn my heavenly welcome. I do not keep a list of my positive and negative acts, in hopes that the good outweighs the bad at the precise moment in time when I am called 'home.' In fact, it is by God's grace alone, any of my efforts can be judged as "good" in His eyes.
I realize opening myself up to criticism is part of taking any type of stand, especially one as polarizing as organized religion. I also understand not everyone shares my beliefs, and in reality, many of the folks in my immediate, daily social circles do not, in fact, share my philosophies. Bottom line is, I'm not asking for your approval or your endorsement. I'm not encouraging or recruiting you. I am simply being true to myself. But your refusal to allow me to be who I am, or your ignorance to the importance of this part of my life, goes against basic human decency; irrespective of race, color, creed, or religious differences.
So, if I offer my prayers for your well-being, accept them for what they are; a gift from me to you. No strings attached. No need for further clarification or expression of deeply-rooted philosophical critiques. Just a simply "thank you," or respectful nod will suffice.
And if, by chance, you would like to learn more about me or what makes me tick, let's talk...without assumptions, without airs, without pre-conceived notions. Just two folks trying to find their way through the crazy world we share!