James 1:26-27
Anyone who says he is a Christian but
doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his
religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault,
from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of
orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and
dirtied by his contacts with the world.
The Living Bible
copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights
reserved.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two
weeks, you know the story of American swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Last week
in Rio, Lochte won his 12th gold medal in the Men's 4x200m freestyle
relay. This week, he is all many can talk about…but for a very
different reason. Lochte apparently fabricated an elaborate tale about
being the victim (along with three fellow swimmers) of an armed robbery
by Brazilian police. He perpetuated this story for days until
surveillance video and eye-witness accounts proved that he was lying (or
as his attorneys put it, “gave an inaccurate account”).
With
this one thoughtless misstep, Lochte has gone from one of the US
“darlings” of the 2016 Olympics to a national embarrassment. And the
speculation is that Lochte may not only be suspended by USA swimming and
the US Olympic Committee…he may also use thousands – if not millions –
of dollars in commercial endorsements. In a nutshell, Ryan Lochte’s
reputation may pretty well be shot.
I don’t think I can remind us too often that people are watching and listening.
All it takes is one incident where we speak harshly, judge another, or
misbehave in some way…and our Christian witness can be seriously
compromised. The talk is that Lochte will do his penance…people will
forgive and forget…and he will show up at the games in Tokyo in four
years. And perhaps we will get a second chance with those whom we have
disappointed or disillusioned with our words or actions. But we cannot
take that risk!
I will be the first to admit that it is hard to
hold our tongue sometimes. It is easy to judge others and see them as
different – if not inferior in some way to our standards or way of
thinking. We often judge others and hide behind the name of Jesus. We
declare that we are His children…and the other guy is not. The devil
loves that we are human and subject to his persuasion that “they” are
wrong – and “we” are right…that we are entitled to say these things as
“true Christians.” And Jesus hangs His head in shame.
The next
time you are tempted to speak harshly or judge someone else…remember
Ryan Lochte – and this scripture passage. Think of how quickly we can
negate everything that God has called us to share with others…how one
senseless act or comment can ruin our “reputation” as a Christian – and
turn another person away from Jesus.
Our responsibility as
Christian disciples is serious business. We cannot play fast and loose
with our words and actions! Are you ready to do the hard work of
keeping yourself in check? Jesus’ gift of salvation and Christian
discipleship is far too precious to handle carelessly. Will this be the
day that you renew your efforts to represent Him with honor and
thoughtfulness? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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