Jimmy: But dad, all my friends are gonna be there!,
Hugh: I know, son, but if all your friends were named Cliff, would you jump off them? I don't think you would.
Yesterday I had a very short, but very life altering conversation with my Dad. It was one of those conversations that I hope will have a long lasting effect on my life. As is usual, we were interrupted several times by my children, so I don't remember the entire conversation. But one line in particular has been gerbiling around in my mind ever since. He said, "Even if everyone does it, that is not an excuse for me to do it, it simply means that everyone needs to change." Ouch! How often I use this excuse, and now my pitiful excuse, for justifying my actions, has just crumbled before my very eyes.
I started to think of all the ways that I just do what everyone else does. I don't question it, I don't think about it, and I certainly don't pray about it? I assume that if my other Christian friends* are doing it, then it must be fine. Well it's not fine, or if it is fine, it's not good. And it most cases it's not even close to the best. We all need to change.
1 John 2:15-16 puts it this way - Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
And again Romans 12:2 tells us "Do not to be conformed to this world,"
There isn't much to argue there. We aren't to look like, speak like, or act like the world. I know it's hard to be the odd ball out, and it's easy to think what we are doing, or not doing, isn't that bad. But the world doesn't need more of itself, it needs Christ!! And if that isn't who people see in my life, then I've conformed.
So once again I started asking some questions.
Why do I spend my time the way that I do?
Why do I wear what I wear?
Why do I read what I read?
Why do I watch what I watch?
Why do I listen to what I listen to?
How do I talk to people?
How to I talk about people when they are not around?
How do I make the choices that I make?
Why do I live where I live, and drive what I drive?
Why do I give what I give?
Why do I eat what I eat?
Is it to glorify the Lord, or is it that everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't I? I encourage you yourself these questions, or make a list of your own. And if you decide you need to change as well, let me know, because I'd love to pray for you and will be needing some accountability.
*I had no actual "Christian friends" in mind when writing this. Don't worry I'm not keeping track of where anyone else needs to change. I'm way too busy with my own short comings.
4 comments:
I used to think that I had no problems with "going against the grain". I was one of those annoying, PRIDEFUL (as your husband pointed out once in conversation) teenagers who "had" to be different.
I guess it was a blessing in some ways (it kept me out of trouble from the kids who were doing stuff they shouldn't be doing)... but definitely a curse in others when all I wanted to do was bend the rules!
To sum up my word vomit, I could always use prayer in this department of my life..... for God to be my compass and not the world!
+s
No no, I get it, you called me out. It is ok, next time just call me out by name, it will hurt less than this subtleness...
Good post. Why the heck is your dad so stinking smart? I would say that I envy you for having the father you have... but then I remember that I have the same Father you do.
Amen.
Well put and very convicting ! I will definitely need to ponder over your questions more.
Oooh. As usual, you give me much to think on. Your list of questions are good ones.
Gina
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