Gospel assholes

The New Testament speaks a lot about suffering, and especially suffering for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Much of it is written by people who really did suffer quite badly, and it prepares christians to suffer alongside their Lord when necessary.
And yet sometimes it seems like some Christians can make suffering a bit of a fetish. As though every stubbed toe or criticism could be reduced to the fact that you are a preacher of the gospel. As though every detractor has secretly turned away from the truth (even if they profess the truth, they are simply showing their tricksy, heretic ways!). As though the New Testament shouldn't be read in it's historical context, but is actually a story about me and my experiences in christian ministry.

When I hear people speaking like this, I can't help think of the line of Erica Albright, Mark Zuckerburgs (ex)girlfriend in the film "The Social Network".


"You are probably going to be a very successful computer person. But you're going to go through life thinking that girls don't like you because you're a nerd. And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that won't be true. It'll be because you're an asshole."

Next time you are feeling persecuted and feeling a little righteous about it, wonder if the person in front of you is really feeling like Erica. They may have no problem with Jesus, it might just be you.

" You are probably going to be a very successful Bible teacher. But you are going to go through life thinking that people don't like you because of the gospel. And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that wont be true. It'll be because you are an asshole"