Toxic Christians live among us whether or not we like it. These individuals fabricate lies with a side of truth. Just enough truth to claim to be a Christian, but enough lie to turn someone off from the experience. What exactly makes someone a toxic Christian? Anyone who pushes people away from a relationship with God instead of drawing them closer. Toxic Christians can take on many forms. On the extreme side of things, there are groups like Westboro Baptist Church. A group calling themselves Christians who intentionally do damage to the word of God through their actions and words of hate.
Another example of toxic Christians includes affirming churches on the other extreme. These individuals sugar coat the Gospel and conveniently look past Bibe verses that they do not agree with. They spread lies and attack truth when it shows up at their door. They often desecrate the true meaning of God’s rainbow and use the colors to represent their agenda of sexual deviance. God’s rainbow represents a promise to us that he will not destroy earth again with a flood. Instead of acknowledging this fact, affirming churches openly display a flag mocking God’s promise to us by promoting defiance to God’s creation.
The next group of toxic Christians that I deal with on a regular basis more often than any other group are the holier-than-thou type. In the book I explain what I am talking about by giving numerous experiences that I have lived firsthand. Holier-than-thou Christians put on a show when people are watching but live a second life behind the scenes. Their nose is so high in the air that it is hard for them to see anyone else but themselves. Often this group will look down on others simply because they do not fit the part of being in the club. Instead of demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit, these people often oppress others by speaking at people instead of speaking into them.
Toxic Christians lead people from God instead of to him.
All three of the groups that I listed above, I consider to be toxic Christians. They do way more to push people away from the Gospel instead of showing others the character of God. None of us are immune to this behavior ourselves. At one time or another, we have all been a toxic Christian where our heart was not planted in the right place. Through the grace of God, most of us can identify our flaws and seek a course to correct our mistakes. Some people however are so entrenched in their own philosophy that they refuse to follow truth and continue to hide in the darkness.
When someone is entrenched in their ways, often words are not the key to unlocking the relationship. God can use are actions just as much or more than our words. So next time you encounter a toxic Christian, keep in mind that what you say will more than likely go nowhere with the person. Demonstrating and living out the fruit of the Spirit will have way more of an impact on these individuals. It is really hard for people to hate people that are kind to them. My grandmother said kill them with kindness. Now that I am older, I am beginning to see that what she said is true. The nicer you are to people, the harder it is for them to dislike you. Being kind tears down walls faster than any words will.
For people that have been hurt by toxic Christians, keep in mind that the behavior of these individuals who negatively affected your life do not represent all of the people of God’s kingdom. Don’t let a bad experience with a toxic Christian keep you from being open to a relationship with Jesus. As Christ-followers, we are representatives for his kingdom. Not every representative will be a good one or have the right attitude to do the job. I would encourage you to keep an open mind when seeking out Jesus. Toxic Christians are out there. Don’t let the devil pull you away from a relationship with Jesus. Toxic Christians are the third wheel in a relationship. Your first priority should be to seek out Jesus first. Anything else that gets in the way is just noise from the devil.
Proverbs 13:20 New American Standard Bible
20 One who walks with wise people will be wise, But a companion of fools will suffer harm.