Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Lost your credibility?

One of the most heartbreaking things I see on a daily basis is the loss of the ability to witness. I read blogs and diaries of people who proclaim to love God, yet don’t portray the life-change that God has given them.

One of the most common things that I see is the “Cussing Christian”. I cringe every time I hear a Christian use a word in a vulgar way. How can we proclaim that God is our father when we go around using our mouths to put people down or to say a vulgar word instead of using it to spread God’s word? I love how James 3:9-12 puts it:

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
What a powerful illustration! How can we praise God and curse men with the same mouth? You wouldn’t brush your teeth with a toothbrush used to clean out a toilet bowl would you (If you said yes then you truly are a potty mouth)? It's the same thing! You can't use that toothbrush for both things!

Another thing that is upsetting to me is when I see Christian girls wearing extremely revealing clothes. The only thing that wearing things like that accomplishes is attracting the wrong type of guy. What’s worse is when they wear these clothes to church! How are the guys supposed to focus on what they came to church for when you are distracting them?

As Christians, we are to spread God’s love and His word, but how can we do this when the way we act is a complete 180˚ of what God wants us to do? Are you struggling with something that may cause someone to doubt whether or not your life has been changed by God? I know there are plenty of times in my life when I’ve realized that something I have said or done may void my ability to witness to the people that were around me. When we do something that we know is not what God wants us to do, then we can no longer witness to other people because we lose our credibility. Pray and ask God to help you with what you are struggling with so that you may help further His kingdom. Remember though, don’t expect God to do all of the work. You can’t change your ways unless you work at it and allow God to change you.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey!! Thanks for the comment. I guess every once in a while I need a little reminder that everything is in God's hands and He's in control. :) I like what you've done on here and I hope you continue to write for a long time. It's def. one of the many talents you've been given, and you'd continue to help many people. Hope you're doing well!

Anonymous said...

Yes! I love James 3:9-12. There are so many Christians that do that, and it bugs the mess out of me! I call them "Poser Christians" because they like to talk the talk but they can't walk the walk. Their hearts aren't right with God and they see absolutely nothing wrong with it. That was a good article!