Let me begin with a disclaimer.  It is NOT my intent to come across as someone who is using this blog as an outlet to sling mud at others who upset or bother me.  I would, however, like to take a moment and bring attention to an issue that has troubled me and continues to dance in the forefront of my mind.  For years I have watched at secular news outlets and others have advertised the shortcomings of those claiming to be Christian.  I think my first experience with this was during Jimmy Swaggart’s fall from grace.  I was around the age of 9 when it happened but I still remember watching him on TV will tear-filled eyes reciting his famous words heard around the world, “I have sinned.”  I really didn’t understand everything that was going on but I do remember hearing those around me complain how the media was crucifying him.  A few years later we had the Jim Bakker fiasco.  Since that time there have been too many scenarios such as the two I just mentioned to even begin to keep count of and, quite frankly, that saddens me.

For a while, in my youthful immaturity, I would secretly point my finger back at the media as if what was happening was their fault.  It seemed like they were being so horrible to those who had been caught in their sin.  As I grew older my perception and view of things have changed quite a bit.  I now hold the following opinion: Christians—you’re giving God a bad name.

I am fully aware that the word teaches us, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  We have all screwed up at one time or another.  If we hadn’t messed up once or twice then there would have been no need for Christ to die on the cross paying the ultimate sacrifice for us all.  Humor me and, just for a moment, let’s take what we consider the big stuff off the table (i.e.-Christians involving themselves in extra-marital affairs and the like).  [Side note:  Sin is sin—there are no levels– aside from blasphemy of the spirit spoken of in Matt 12 which is the ‘unforgivable/unpardonable sin.’]  Let’s talk about the stuff that doesn’t make the news.  Let’s talk about how those who claim to be Christian slander one another with their gossip.  Let’s discuss how ‘Christians’ involve themselves in questionable practices (drugs, alcohol, telling dirty jokes, gossip, cussing, pre-marital sex etc.).  Let’s talk about how those who claim to be Christians bash and degrade our President because they don’t agree with his decisions in leading our country.  Regardless of your personal opinions about the man we are to submit to those in authority over us unless they are requiring/requesting us to do something that is against the Bible or unethical in some way.

Let’s face it, we don’t need the media to make Christians and/or God look bad.  We’re doing that all by ourselves.  The word reminds us if we pay attention to how someone is living their life you will know them by the fruit they bear (I recently posted a blog with material related to this very subject and it can be found below).  Let’s look at social media for a moment.  I appreciate having the ability to sign on to Facebook and get back in touch with long-lost loved ones and friends but Facebook has become a horrible place to be at times.  I see how those claiming to be Christian blatantly degrade and talk down about others who may not believe as they do or live their lives in the same way.  Some are posting pictures glorifying unclean acts they’ve involved themselves in.  In example, the Bible doesn’t specifically say “Thou shalt not watch a Rated R movie,” but we all know the things that are shown in movies with that rating are not good for our spirits.  Again, please don’t think I’m judging because that’s not my intention here.  If you can involve yourself in certain practices you believe are okay that is between you and God.  I am not the Holy Spirit and I have no desire to judge your choices.  But I will say this, and I believe I have mentioned this in prior posts.  We have been called to be ‘salt and light.’  God expects us to set ourselves apart.  If we are blending in with cultural norms then we just become another face in the crowd.  It is better to be hot or cold, saved or unsaved.  The Bible reminds us that He will spew out that which is lukewarm.  Matthew 6:24 also reminds us we can’t serve two masters.  It’s time for Christians to ‘choose this day whom you will serve.’

Now realize, I’m not instituting that we turn our back on the unsaved or judge them for the way they live their lives.  Be aware how you judge others because you too will be judged with that same measure.  However, I AM encouraging you to live your life as an example of who He is.  If you claim to be a Christian, EXPECT to be watched by those around you.  We are to live our lives pouring out his love, grace, and mercy.  Don’t live your life in excess trying to ‘one-up’ those around you.  It’s not about placing yourself at the front and attempting to get all the attention.  It’s about serving others and being humble, admitting when you’re wrong, and dealing with the consequences of your actions.  I think it’s fair to say, if you’ll stop making bad decisions you won’t have to keep apologizing.  Guard your testimony because it’s all you have.  Filter those FB posts, guard that tongue, shove that judgmental spirit in the back seat (better yet—throw it out the window), ‘stray from appearance of evil’.  Keep your mind set on things above and watch God use your life to bring Him glory.  Lead people to God, don’t repel them away from Him.  Don’t bring shame to His name.  Live your life as a GODLY example to those around you or it’s quite possible YOU will be the one making God look bad.