I remember when I was in Middle School, I had one of my friends over to spend the night. This friend and I had grown up together, and we still have a close friendship even today. I remember one night in particular that she came over, and we were just hanging out and talking about anything and everything. Somehow, the topic turned to something that I was not allowed to do or watch. Even if I was allowed to do or watch whatever it was, I had no desire to do so anyway. I told this friend that I wasn't allowed to watch the movie, or do whatever it was; she accused me of being a goody-two-shoes and asked if I always had to do "what my mommy told me to". To be honest, I was embarrassed, ashamed that my friends might see me as thinking of myself better than them. I didn't know how to reply, so I just brushed off the comment and changed the subject. We moved on quickly, but I never forgot that conversation. I wonder about how I could have confronted the accusation. Why didn't I watch what everyone else watched, or do what everyone else did? I didn't know the reason then, but I could never shake the feeling like I needed to have an answer in case the same question or accusation ever came up again.
Thinking back on that night, I can now see a few answers I could have given. However, the statements and verses I could have used to defend my point would have just brought about an eye-roll or frustrated sigh, as they have when I have used them in different scenarios. People don't want to hear why they are wrong, or listen to "a bunch of rules" that they might have to follow. I know, I've felt that way myself. "I'm tired of hearing what I can't do, I just want to have fun and do what I want to do!" But as I've grown in Christ since that night, He has revealed some things to me about living my life following His example in His Word.
1 John 2:6, "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
1 Peter 2:21, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."
John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (Jesus Himself speaking)
Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and not do what I tell you?" (the one that convicted me the most tonight)
It's so easy to say that we are Christians and that we believe everything that the Bible teaches. But when it comes to being popular or following God, it's not so simple. I'd like to share a few areas in my own life where God has been convicting me, and has shown me where I am not truly following Him. If I call myself a Christian, a "little-Christ" or "imitator of Christ", shouldn't I be living that statement out every day? What I say, what I think, and what I watch/listen to are three areas that God has recently been pointing out that I'm not following His example.
What I Say:
I'm not always the kindest person, especially in my speech. I find myself constantly telling others about why so-and-so is wrong, or why this other person isn't very good. But God's Word says in Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Oops... I sure don't do this all the time! One day, I should count the number of times "corrupting talk" comes out of my mouth! I'm sure I don't even realize all the times I'm doing this. How can I be an example? Look for things that build up the person instead of tearing them down ("but only such as is good for building up").
I am also the first to admit I complain. What do I complain about? Anything I can find fault in! The food at the cafeteria? Gross. All the homework teachers are giving? Unfair. I actually have to put forth an effort? Too much work. God has a different idea: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (Philippians 2:14). Oh boy, I'm in trouble! But how can I be an imitator of Christ? 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
What I Think:
While I might not always say what I'm thinking about someone, the thought is still present. Two verses come to mind when I struggle with this:
2 Corinthians 10:5b, "take every thought captive to obey Christ"
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me."
I don't see how these verses could be any more clear. For more on what God says about evil thoughts, check out Matthew 5:21-22.
What I Watch/Listen To:
This is something that has gotten me in trouble recently. We are bombarded with media today that is not Christ-honoring. But as Christians, we need to be careful about what we allow our minds to take in. In Luke's account of the Sermon on the Mount, we see toward the end of chapter 6 what Jesus says about this.
Luke 6:45, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
I highlight the last part of the verse because it reminds us to be careful about what we put into our heart. If there's garbage in our heart, then that's what going to come out. I heard it best put this way: "What's in the well comes up in the bucket."
There are so many more areas that I struggle with, but these are the most prevalent struggles for me now. I can see now that those times when friends would ask why I wouldn't do or say some things were times that I had a choice to imitate Christ or to go against His commandments. Remember Luke 6:46? "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and not do what I tell you?" Why do we? Why do we say we will follow, but don't actually follow through? I encourage you, my readers, as well as myself to do what God commands and follow the example Christ set.
I would like to leave you with one last verse, one of my favorites. It comes from Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Thinking back on that night, I can now see a few answers I could have given. However, the statements and verses I could have used to defend my point would have just brought about an eye-roll or frustrated sigh, as they have when I have used them in different scenarios. People don't want to hear why they are wrong, or listen to "a bunch of rules" that they might have to follow. I know, I've felt that way myself. "I'm tired of hearing what I can't do, I just want to have fun and do what I want to do!" But as I've grown in Christ since that night, He has revealed some things to me about living my life following His example in His Word.
1 John 2:6, "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
1 Peter 2:21, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."
John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (Jesus Himself speaking)
Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and not do what I tell you?" (the one that convicted me the most tonight)
It's so easy to say that we are Christians and that we believe everything that the Bible teaches. But when it comes to being popular or following God, it's not so simple. I'd like to share a few areas in my own life where God has been convicting me, and has shown me where I am not truly following Him. If I call myself a Christian, a "little-Christ" or "imitator of Christ", shouldn't I be living that statement out every day? What I say, what I think, and what I watch/listen to are three areas that God has recently been pointing out that I'm not following His example.
What I Say:
I'm not always the kindest person, especially in my speech. I find myself constantly telling others about why so-and-so is wrong, or why this other person isn't very good. But God's Word says in Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Oops... I sure don't do this all the time! One day, I should count the number of times "corrupting talk" comes out of my mouth! I'm sure I don't even realize all the times I'm doing this. How can I be an example? Look for things that build up the person instead of tearing them down ("but only such as is good for building up").
I am also the first to admit I complain. What do I complain about? Anything I can find fault in! The food at the cafeteria? Gross. All the homework teachers are giving? Unfair. I actually have to put forth an effort? Too much work. God has a different idea: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (Philippians 2:14). Oh boy, I'm in trouble! But how can I be an imitator of Christ? 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
What I Think:
While I might not always say what I'm thinking about someone, the thought is still present. Two verses come to mind when I struggle with this:
2 Corinthians 10:5b, "take every thought captive to obey Christ"
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me."
I don't see how these verses could be any more clear. For more on what God says about evil thoughts, check out Matthew 5:21-22.
What I Watch/Listen To:
This is something that has gotten me in trouble recently. We are bombarded with media today that is not Christ-honoring. But as Christians, we need to be careful about what we allow our minds to take in. In Luke's account of the Sermon on the Mount, we see toward the end of chapter 6 what Jesus says about this.
Luke 6:45, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
I highlight the last part of the verse because it reminds us to be careful about what we put into our heart. If there's garbage in our heart, then that's what going to come out. I heard it best put this way: "What's in the well comes up in the bucket."
There are so many more areas that I struggle with, but these are the most prevalent struggles for me now. I can see now that those times when friends would ask why I wouldn't do or say some things were times that I had a choice to imitate Christ or to go against His commandments. Remember Luke 6:46? "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and not do what I tell you?" Why do we? Why do we say we will follow, but don't actually follow through? I encourage you, my readers, as well as myself to do what God commands and follow the example Christ set.
I would like to leave you with one last verse, one of my favorites. It comes from Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Looks to me like you have a good biblical understanding of what it means to be "in the world but not of the world"! Thanks again for sharing so honestly from your heart!
ReplyDeleteWe were just discussing last night at our supper club group how important it is to "speak the truth in love" to others. As we walk in grace we can extend it to others!
Good words!