Daily Devotional for August 20, 2016

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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