A Good Example

I have noticed that watching television in mixed company equals embarrassment. Situation comedies are crude, sexual and downright distasteful at times. Not only the shows, but the content of the commercials is at times shocking. The Whoopie Goldberg commercial for a bladder incontinence product is in extremely poor taste, just to mention one. Are the companies who advertise seriously that crude, or are they just trying to “fit in” with the worldview? I watch very little prime time television because of the inappropriate content. Because I have a full time job and attend college full time, I just don’t have time to sit and watch TV. I missed a week from work recently due to illness and found myself watching television most of the day. Do people really live like they are portrayed on The Maury Show? Is sexual immorality really as prevalent as it appears? Are there really women who can name up to 10 people who might be the father of their child? Do families really sue each other over small financial matters as I saw on Judge Judy? Soap operas are crazier than ever. They have the same characters as when I was in junior high. Is it entertaining to see the same person get married 8 times? Promiscuity, infidelity, lies, cheating are all part of the story lines that intrigue watchers and pull them back week after week. The entire premise of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette makes no sense. You can’t pick 25 random people and put them with someone for weeks and expect two of them to fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. It is insane and is just another show that promotes sexual immorality. I cannot imagine how any man or woman would want to consider a marriage relationship with someone who is kissing numerous other people to “see if there is that spark.” I think it is safe to say that these shows are based on the thrill of the moment.

My pastor once said, “What you will tolerate today you will accept tomorrow.” Indeed this is a true statement. I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s when we did not even utter the word “pregnant.” To say that word was being too familiar and personal. Instead, we would substitute “PG” or “in a family way.” In those years no one would have been allowed to talk about the subjects that are common ground today, not only on television and in movies, but in discussions among both genders. There is nothing sacred or shameful; anything seems to be fair game for a discussion. Christians think nothing of going to an “R” rated movie. Here’s a good measure about what you should watch. Would you mind watching it with your pastor? Would you mind watching it with Jesus? Ouch!

I don’t intend in this blog to address sexual sin or in appropriate conversation, but to address how Christians have allowed their lives and homes to be inundated with the world’s standards and have failed to stand up for the principles taught by Jesus Christ. It is not always easy to follow the straight and narrow road, but it is always the best path to take. One thing I do know – Christians must be vigilant about living out their lives for others by example. Maybe you think no one notices you; I can assure you that you are noticed by others. I have often heard, “you may be the only Bible someone may ever read.” What an awesome responsibility we have to reflect the life of Christ to those around us. A friend’s son once told his Mom he was tired of having to be a good example to others because his father was in the ministry. He just wanted to be a regular kid. She lovingly let him know that he was an example whether he wanted to be one or not. It was up to him what type of example he would be – good or bad.

We all need to have regular check-ups. We go to the doctor to have our bodies examined and our blood tested. Once when my mother was in the emergency room the nurse prepared to draw her blood for testing. When my daughter, Krystin, grimaced at the thought, the nurse made a profound statement, “The blood is so important because it tells all about you.” I have never forgotten her words because they are so true. Our blood can reveal illness, infection, or abnormalities. It can also show that we are in good health. I am a Christian, so the blood of Jesus shed on Calvary tells all about who I am. I am bought with a price by the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He shed his blood and died for me so that I may have eternal life and be adopted into the family of God. The blood of Jesus tells who I am. In both cases we have to allow the blood to speak. We have to give permission for our blood to be drawn at the doctor’s office. We have to accept the gift of salvation or the blood means nothing to us and tells nothing about us. To accept this gift is to become a Christian, a believer in Christ, His disciple.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

Are you overdue for a spiritual check-up? Here are some questions to ponder about your life. The Holy Spirit will let you know if you need to change your thinking, your priorities, your attitude.

•Do you watch, read or listen to things you should not?
•Are the things of the world more important to you than God or His Word?
•Are you too busy for prayer and Bible study? What are your priorities?
•What is your attitude toward sin in your own life?
•Do you seek worldly wealth and fame instead of seeking first the Kingdom of God?
•If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

If you call yourself a Christian, you are to be an example of Christ to the world. That example starts in your own home. Take a stand on what you allow to enter your home through the airways on your television, radio, computer, cell phone. Live in the light instead of darkness. Be a shining example of what the Lord has done in your life. Whether you like it or not, you are an example. Choose to be a good one. The world is watching.

“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. “ John 3:21

Love to all in His Name!
Candy

The Opportunity of Interruption

We can plan out our days with tasks we want to accomplish, with activities we want to do, or we can plan a free day with nothing on our agenda. But planning does not guarantee the day will play out as we intended. Interruptions come out of the blue at times and we must adjust our schedule to tend to an urgent situation. It happens to all of us, more often than we would like, but it happens. Most of us would rather not have interruptions. They represent obstacles to our ultimate goals.

Sometimes interruptions to our schedule are a welcome thing. Receiving a call with good news about the birth of a child, an engagement, a promotion, raise, or a wonderful job offer can interrupt your day. These are what I would call “welcome interruptions.” I would not be upset with anyone for interrupting my “schedule” to deliver that kind of news. But too often the interruption is an aggravation and something you can do without. Just when you are engrossed in a project that requires 100% of your concentration, a crying child may require you to drop everything to give her attention. It could be an adult child upset about a relationship that has ended, needing your support and guidance or a friend who has lost his job. Whatever the reason for interruptions to our days, we can learn to handle them in an appropriate manner. To not do so may cause unnecessary stress and none of us needs that.

Let’s look at the life of the greatest man who ever lived, Jesus Christ. With Jesus there were no real interruptions. Some things may have seemed like interruptions but they were actually opportunities to display His Father’s great power and love. Interruptions never slowed Jesus down or changed his purpose. When He was approached to heal Jairus’ daughter he was interrupted by a woman who touched the hem of his garment. She, through her faith, was instantaneously healed, but Jairus received news that his daughter had died. Jesus could have healed her illness, but instead He raised her from the dead, a much greater miracle. Then Jesus simply continued the work he had come to do: restoring the lost, healing the sick, glorifying His Father. To Jesus, interruptions represented people and people were His purpose. Do you realize that even death is only an interruption; it is not the end of life, but a transition to the afterlife.

One evening recently my granddaughter Paisley was having problems going to sleep. I was busy working on college work, trying to concentrate, and trying to meet a deadline. I could hear her crying in the other room. Her Mommy was growing weary and had used every method she knew to try to coax this child to rest. She grew quiet and I thought to myself that surely she must finally have fallen asleep. After all, it was 11:30 p.m. Within moments of that thought here comes Paisley, grinning from ear to ear, waving her little hand and saying, “Hello, Mimi, hello.” I couldn’t help but smile as she threw her arms up for me to give her a hug. She told me she loved me, gave me a kiss, and went back to her room where she quickly fell asleep. Yes, she interrupts my work, more often than not. But, she needed her Mimi’s attention for just a couple of minutes so that she felt secure and loved. After she left I thanked God that I have the opportunity to see her grow daily and to be the recipient of her love. How I wish I could be as close to all my grandchildren, especially those who do not live near me. Paisley reminded me that I can get too intense into my studies at times and even Mimi needs a break for a hug and kiss.

I am learning to enjoy the interruptions for what they are – personally designed encounters from God to make His ways known. Perhaps your next interruption will be an opportunity for you to share the love of God with someone who has no idea what God’s love is. After all, there are no coincidences in life because God is in control.

“Lord, turn every interruption into an opportunity to share your love. Forgive me for my impatience and at times confusing my priorities. Enjoying you means enjoying every day as a gift from you.”

(This blog contains excerpts from 40 Days in God's Presence: A Devotional Encounter by Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Copyright 2006. For more information you can visit: www.twbookmark.com/christian.)