Monday, 7/6/15
A car parked next to us in a store parking lot recently which had a huge religious icon on it’s back windshield which is popular in South Texas. However, right next to it on the bottom right it had a cartoon figure with the words, “kiss my….. (posterior)” I remarked to my wife, “I wonder if this fellow realizes he is sending out a mixed message.” On the one hand, he is signifying his devotion to his church and religion and on the other he is exhibiting what may be his true colors. When we left the parking lot we quickly saw a big truck dart in front of us who also had mixed messages. The first was a huge depiction of a cowboy kneeling before a cross with his horse nearby. Then, on the tailgate he had that well-known pin up girl in silver which seems to be popular with men with trucks. That made me wonder if we too, as children of God, send out mixed messages to those around us without realizing it.
Today, more than ever, the world is keeping a closer eye on everyone who dares to call himself a Christian, especially in light of the many present social issues which have done a good job of dividing the country. If you have noticed in the responses which people make on the social media outlets regarding today’s news items, you are fully aware that a good number of the responders can be pretty nasty and blunt. They will quickly come down hard on everyone they view as being a religious hypocrite. Let me give you an example: If you take a public stand against the recent ruling by our Supreme Court, they will quickly denounce your own faults or point out some Christians or churches that have committed well documented wrongdoings.
That being said, we have to be more careful than ever to try to live God honoring lives. We must remember that Jesus said that His people are the light of the World and we should let our lights shine before others so that God will get the glory. (See Mt. 5:16) In his epistle to the church, Peter wrote that it honors God when we are falsely accused of doing wrong. On the other hand, if we do wrong and get accused, criticized, or judged for it, then we had it coming, but in that case, the name of God gets slandered. We can’t expect the world to live right when we ourselves are not doing it. Peter also wrote: “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God;1 and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” He also advised us to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask us about our faith (I peter 3:15) which, of course, will reveal our position on today’s social issues. The best answer we can give, however, will always be the way we conduct ourselves.
Memory verse for the week: (2 Peter 3:14 KJV) “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
