I've learned not to believe anyone when they say they are a "Christian" so readily as I have in the past. Now, whenever I meet someone and immediately they tell me they are "Christian" my guard goes up, and I wonder how they are going to try to defraud me. Because that has been my experience so far. Every person who immediately tries to get you to believe they are a Christian have an ulterior motive.
So Timmy, as to your original question, are Christians better than the average Joe on the street... I would have to say no. Many are following a belief system of works that doesn't change their hearts. Sadly. You have to look deeper than just for someone who attends church, pays tithes, and calls themselves Christian. I would say .... look at the fruit, before you believe that they are truly a Christ-follower.
So now, I don't take people at face value. Just telling me that you are a "Christian" is not enough. I don't care if you tell me you are a one God, apostolic, tongue-talking, holy roller, born again believer ..... yada yada...
I look for your fruit. Christ told his disciples, "By your love one for another shall all men know ye are my disciples"
John 13:35
That is the fruit I look for. How do you treat your fellow man? What fruits of the spirit are you exhibiting? How do you treat those who have treated you wrongly?
Just looking for an outward appearance, or a mouthful of "christian talk" doesn't do a thing for me... anymore.
I've found true believers in the most unusual places too. You just never can judge a "book by its cover."
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