OOPS! STEPPING ON TOES...

 Have you ever thought about what effect your actions have on others?  What kind of example are you setting?  I know some people who have tuned out already and have an “I don’t care” kind of attitude. Hummm...what does that example set for others?  Then there are those who worry too much what people think about what they are doing. I’m really not talking about that kind of thing. I mean those actions that you do naturally or without thinking. Those things that are part of your character. Do you throw trash out the windows?  Leave the shopping cart in a parking space?  Or are you the kind that picks up the trash without asking, holds a door open, says thank you, etc.?  I think I’m even going a little deeper than that...and I don’t mean to step on toes, but is your example showing others a way to Jesus or is it hindering that relationship?  

In Romans 14:21 it says, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall."  This verse has always spoken loudly to me. I know that verse has been used to guilt and shame people but to me it helps me think about how my actions affect others. Example...if I have a drink and I’m a Christian will that cause someone else to begin drinking?  Will I be a hindrance to the recovering alcoholic at our gathering of believers if I drink?  

Now don’t come at me about it being okay or not okay to drink. That’s NOT what I’m talking about. I’m talking about being an example of a follower of Christ in a fallen world. If I don’t stand out as different then how will they know Christ?  If I smoke, drink, curse, dress inappropriately, listen to music or watch movies that do not glorify God, do I lead others to Jesus or do I show that I’m just like the rest of the world?  I promise you, I am NOT perfect and I do not live a spotless life.  I am thinking through these things outloud for myself as well.

Okay, Denise...what is going on with this?  Well, I was faced with this kind of situation recently.  A gathering of friends and people I didn't know well, some Christians, and several drinking.  Sitting there I couldn't help but feel bad for those I KNEW struggled with alcohol issues as they sat around others who were drinking without regard to their issue.  How did it make them feel?  Did they look at us as hypocrits or did we give them permission to drink again after so long working to stay sober?   I struggle with these thoughts often. I don't ever want to be the reason somone stumbles.

Do I drink?  Sometimes.  Do I drink publicly?  No....  Why?  This example thing is a big part of it.  Now I know, I know that many reading are like...WHY?  It is the most foreign thing in the world to some but for me it is a big deal.  Drinking is just one example. It could be the language I use...yes, I mess up there too much too!  It can be the places I go or don't go (I miss worship way more than I should), the music I listen to (I love some country music), or anything I do that make up my character...my example.   Anything I do I want to test against what Jesus would do in that situation.  I can't always think about how others will interpret or judge my actions, but to the best of my ability I want to set an example that will lead others closer to Jesus.  I want to stand out as different from this world and not part of it.  I fail at this way more than I want to admit, but it is always in the back of my mind.

I honestly didn't start this to step on toes, so please do not think I am talking to you or about you.  I'm not.  I'm thinking out loud or in writing...processing like I do.  As a mom, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend, educator, Christian....I want to do things to the best of my ability and to be cognizant of my exmple.  I don't want to do anything in a judgy way, but out of love and out of being true to myself.  Whether we like it or not...people watch what we do or don't do.  People notice who is real with what they believe and who is not.  It has been said before and I'll share it here as I close...

"Your life will preach louder than your words."  

It's okay to be different.  

Denise