Being Christian

Should we be surprised that some of the most bad behaviors we witness each day come from people professing to be "Christian?"  I don't find it too surprising, since we live in a fallen world and Humans are a sinful lot.  Most of the world, however, seems to hold Christians to a higher standard than most everyone else.  Time and again in scripture, we are warned that as believers we will face persecutions.  Yet, we are surprised when they come.  I've witnessed many a professing christian partake in bad behavior, and I myself have been guilty of this as well.  The question is, should we, as christians, be held to a higher standard than non beliebvers?

"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."  This is the first commandment.  "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  There is no other commandment greater than these."
Mark 12: 30-31 NKJV

Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I've been known to love myself and hold myself with high regard in the past.  Yeah, how arrogant right?  Here's the kicker, we're COMMANDED to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.  Think about that, loving that pesky co worker with the same high degree that we hold ourselves?  Loving our overbearing boss with the same high standard that we hold for ourselves?  Most of us cherish ourselves and, in most situations, put our own interests above anyone elses.  Can we show the selfless love that this scripture is calling for to others?  How much would we change the world around us by doing just this?  Instead of christiand being seen as pushy, preachy, arrogant, two faced and rude, we could be seen as loving, caring and thoughtful.  Isn't this showing the true nature of Christ within us?  How many others could we lead to Christ by focusing on doing this?  Why would Christ reference this if not to have us put it into practice?  Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus interacting with those around him with love and compassion.  In the few occasions he did show anger, he did so to rebuke those whose behaviors were hurting other people.  There's no record of anyone else in scripture referring to Jewish religious leaders of the day as a "Brood of vipers."  However, these were the same peoople who were burdening the people.  Think of a few of the people whom Jesus comforted, a tax collector, a adultress and a thief just to name a few.

And when the scribes and pharisees saw him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to his disciples, "How is it thathe eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"  When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Mark 2:16-17 NKJV

This is a powerful statement from a man who the world recognises as being one of the most gentle and caring people ever.  Are we willing to show this level of selfless kindness today?