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Each Day We Have Choices


In my book, Simple Things, I wrote about representing the Lord well in our daily lives. I mused that when we call ourselves Christians we ought to be sure we're wearing the label well. The Bible warns about those who aren't serving the Lord wholeheartedly:

Revelation 3:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
How are we representing Christ when we engage in conversations about controversial topics (both in real life and online)? It's as if some of us leave our Christianity on the couch with our Bible and Jesus Calling devotional. And I get it. When something we care deeply about is being destroyed it's easy to suit up for battle.

 It's no secret our nation is broken, but when we jump into the wrong battle we aren't doing anything more than putting a bandage on a severed limb. We've been taught to hide God's Word in our hearts but some of us have hidden it so well that the world can't tell we're Christians. 

 How are we representing Christ when we attach derogatory names to politicians or people we don't agree with?

Ephesians 4:29-31 New International Version (NIV)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Unwholesome talk is anything we wouldn't allow a young child to say. If your three year old came to you and said, "Pappy is an idiot," (or worse) you would correct them and instruct them not to say unkind words. Why then is it acceptable for us, God's children, to say unkind things about people we don't agree with?
It's fine to disagree. It's fine to speak the truth. Remember to speak the truth in love. When we start name-throwing we are attaching untruth to real people. Real people just like you and me. I wouldn't call you an idiot and hopefully you wouldn't throw that word my way. It would be a lie. Lies come from one place, and the Father of Lies is none other than Satan himself. When we attach untruth to someone we are allowing ourselves to play with the tools of the enemy. That's scary stuff.
Has someone proven to be corrupt? Say it. Have they been shown to lie? Point it out. There is a difference between name calling and highlighting the truth proven in deeds. If I have to hear Christians using the terms repubtard or libtard one more time...Even worse is the term demoncrat. Makes me shudder. 

 This type of name-calling is not life-giving. 

Proverbs 18:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Remember who you represent and pray for your enemies instead of cursing them. Don't allow your emotions to be overrun by negativity. Don't allow rage to creep in, it will cause you to reflect the world instead of Christ. It is not okay to attach labels to those we disapprove of. We are to be different from the world in behavior, attitude, and speech. Jesus taught us to be different. Serve Him wholeheartedly, don't allow yourself to become lukewarm. Stand firm on His foundation. We are faced with opportunity each day to choose which doors we open. 


Matthew 5:44-45a New International Version (NIV)


44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

The world is watching. Give them reason to want what you've found in Christ. Choose kindness over rudeness. Choose love over hate. Be the light. 

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