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