Daily Devotional for September 9, 2014

Romans 15:1-2
Even if we believe that it makes no difference to the Lord whether we do these things, still we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves; for we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others—of those who feel these things are wrong. Let’s please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

You’re watching a ballgame, and the referees make a terrible call – or at least YOU feel it is poor. Without a second thought, you react...you yell, scream, throw up your hands and gesture wildly. You never curse...you don’t make any obscene motions...but you do throw something of a “fit” over this decision. Some around you join in...they offer “high fives”...they agree with your sentiments and echo them.  Others sit quietly and say nothing. They may agree with you...or not. But they do not make a public display of their anger and frustration.

In any crowd, there will be a mix of “seasoned” Christians, new Christians, and unbelievers.  Many of these people know you that you call yourself a Christian...that you demonstrate several of the qualities and characteristics of a Disciple of Christ. Yet they wonder about your present actions and what they ultimately say about your faith.

Or let’s say you have a particular displeasure with a particular political candidate or office holder – or a certain group of people...and you eagerly share jokes, comments and cartoons about thems on social media.  You enjoy “commiserating” with others who share your views at parties, around the water cooler or in the halls at school, or even in the aisles at Wal-Mart, school sporting events and even at church on Sunday! You don’t hide your feelings...just like you are generous with your posts and comments about your Christian faith and how much God loves us.

People are watching...and if you claim to be a Christian, others are scrutinizing your words and actions to see if they line up with what you declare – and what they read in the scriptures and hear from other believers. Many of those who see your posts about your faith peppered among unkind or derogatory comments about another person or group wonder whether you truly love others as God loves you.  It’s not that you aren’t entitled to an opinion...or that what you have said is necessarily so bad (although sometimes, we have to admit that it is!).  It’s more that you give others the wrong impression.

There’s nothing wrong with showing your spirit at sporting events...or disagreeing with a call, a coach, or the performance of a particular player. But when we “throw a fit” over it...there will be others who wonder about our peace and joy in Jesus. Christians don’t have to be stoic and unfeeling - little robots who never get agitated or voice an opinion. But if our actions and reactions cause another person to question whether we truly operate with grace and mercy, then we have failed in our witness.

Too often, we Christians operate with the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.”  It’s not that what we say and do is so wrong...that we are committing a sin and/or displeasing God. But if our words and actions cause another to question what is acceptable to God and what isn’t – or to doubt or be confused in any way about what it means to live as a Christian...then we have crossed the line.

Remember, God loves us. He wants us to be filled with joy...positive...and confident. He cares about everything we experience, say and do...but not necessarily in the way that you think. There are plenty of things we say and do that, by themselves, are harmless and don’t offend God in the least. But in a different context...when others are influenced by these things...they can have a totally different connotation. We need to make a habit of checking our words and actions...of asking ourselves, “How will others see this? Will it be pleasing to God and encouraging to them in their faith walk...or could it be misconstrued to weaken their faith – or even turn them away from a relationship with Jesus Christ?”

When we ask these tough questions, we may see that a lot of what we say and do needs to go!  If we are serious about sharing the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus with others, we need to be willing to check our words and actions. People ARE watching! When they look at you...what – and WHO – will they see?


©2014 Debbie Robus

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