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Today I am writing about something that has really been weighing on my heart lately. It's not a fun topic to discuss, but something that I hope people will read, then take it to further thought, prayer, and on to life application.
When we get together with friends, or any group of people really, we all try to have a good time. We like to laugh... we like to make others laugh... we like to feel accepted. Unfortunately, often times we go too far... we cross the line... we say or do things that a Christian has no business saying or doing. We have our filter turned off and allow things to get through that should not. I told you this wouldn't be a fun topic :), but stay with me...
Let's look to the Bible in Proverbs 4:23-27. "23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." (NLT)
I could stop right here as that verse is pretty clear, but let's look a little further. I would propose this... before you make a comment, ask yourself "will these words benefit anyone that is listening?" As Christians, we can't just look at how our words and actions affect ourselves, but we need to be aware of how they affect those around us. Here is a verse that we've heard Pastor Perry quote many times:
Ephesians 4:29 "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." (NIV)
There are many things that could be said here, but one of the most simple (maybe over-used, but still true) is "garbage in, garbage out". What are you filling your heart and mind with? Whatever it is will flow out from you in your speech and actions. Then, when that "unwholesome talk" makes it past your filter and comes out of your mouth, did it "benefit those who listen"?
Now, am I saying that we need to be boring, sheltered little Christians? NO! What I am saying is that we need to just be aware that we need to have some boundaries in our life and stop working so hard to get as close to the world as we can and still make it to heaven. Do I believe that saying a swear word will keep you out of heaven? No. Do I believe that making a crude joke will keep you out of heaven? No. Do I believe that watching a TV show or movie that is full of junk will keep you out of heaven? No. HOWEVER... do I believe that doing these things will hinder your spiritual growth and that of those around you? YES.
Why do we so often feel that we NEED to do these things? Now, I like to joke around as much as the next guy and am the king of sarcasm, but I always have to do my best to keep that in check. There are many times when I'll think of something to say that might be funny, but I have to keep it to myself as I realize it is not appropriate. There are times when my filter is unsuccessful and I say something or participate in a conversation that I should not. This is something that I always have to work on... and it is something that we ALL should have a continual awareness of. Let's go further...
Those of us in positions of leadership within the church must be even MORE aware of these things. Whether you are a pastor, small group leader, worship team member, Sunday School teacher... any type of role within the church puts you in a place of higher responsibility... and in need of more accountability. People are watching (and listening) to you. Even if your crude comments won't cost you your salvation, think of how it still might affect those that minister together with you... or those who are following your leadership and example. The Bible is clear enough that I have a great awareness of this... almost a fear of this. I do NOT want to stand before God one day and have to answer for people that failed due to my poor example and leadership. This is not a place that anyone wants to be in.
2 Corinthians 6:3 "We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry." (NLT)
Wow... grab a hold of that one. How effective will your ministry and your witness be when you continually spit out words that should not ever come out of your mouth? Think on that for a moment. How much am I going to listen to and benefit from a sermon when I know that the man preaching lives and talks a completely different thing when he is not behind the pulpit? How likely is it that I will enter in and participate in a worship service when I see people up front "leading in worship" that say and do things outside of church that they have no business being a part of? Take this mode of thought outside of the church for a minute... How likely is that you will listen to the doctor as he tells you that you have to quit smoking or you will develop a major illness... when you just saw him smoking a cigarette outside of the hospital?
1 Corinthians 8:9 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (NIV)
You may be strong in your faith and feel comfortable with watching a certain show or using certain language. I'm not saying you are right or wrong... what I AM saying is that you must be very careful. Those around you may be weaker in their faith, and when they see your actions and hear your words, will it cause them be built up in their faith? Or will it cause them to stumble? What you watch , listen to and participate in WILL affect your own thoughts, words and actions in one way or another.
Let us stop trying to be like the world Monday through Saturday then go do the church thing on Sundays for a couple of hours. If we are truly to be people of integrity, our words and actions through the week will line up with what we say at church on Sundays. Let us stop being influenced by the world, but instead be the one that is DOING the influencing. BE an influence. Like it or not, you ARE an example... whether a good one or a bad one. People watch and listen... those that you work with... your kids... others at church, etc. The question is, what kind of example will you be?
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perry meade
. Just because someone may be "stronger" in their faith doesn't mean God is giving us freedom to subject ourselves, and ultimately HIM, to ungodliness for the sake of entertainment or any other reason. The question is: Have I truly TAKEN this "freedom" to the Lord in prayer for His approval, or is it something I've TAKEN for granted because I want to do it and I don't FEEL convicted? Proverbs 3:5-6 is still applicable to NEW COVENANT believers today..."Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in ALL you do, and He will show you which path to take (NLT)." Sure...we're ALL going to make mistakes...but the question here is one of our motivations. Thanks Pastor Nathan for giving us some great food for prayer!