“Therefore, if anyone is
in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all
things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
There are very few people,
apart from family that new me before I was born again. I was pretty normal in the natural man sense of
the word. Living life just like everyone
else was – at least who lived life like me. But there was a day in September 1976
that turned my life upside down. The things that seemed to control me – one by
one fell away. I was not transfigured – but I was and am still being to this
day, transformed. I was not the old Charley. I used alcohol excessively like so
many other vets I knew to compensate. PTSD was not the “buzz word” it is today.
I could barely speak without using expletives – profanity. But almost it seems
in an instant – those things were no longer part of my life. The things I stopped doing, the Word says not
to do. The Spirit in me and the Word of
God was, and still is, having its affect.
I was having a conversation
with some other Christians the other day when one of the guys blurted out some
profanity. That always gets my
attention. I suppose because it was so
much a part of the “old” me. I hear it
everyday as I live in this world, but I don’t expect to hear it come our of the
mouths of Christians. There are certain words that seem to fall in the category
of “that is the way men speak” or perhaps – “There is nothing really wrong with
those words.” The thing is, it is my
spirit that is checked when I hear them come out of the mouths of other
Christians. Now you may be thinking, “So
what is the big deal – they are just words.” Please allow me to give you some Biblical
perspective.
“A good man [read Christ
follower] out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil
man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” – Luke 6:45
Words matter. We are salt and
light – speaking life -ambassadors of
Christ – representatives of the King. Why would we think it is OK to represent
the world instead – and encourage others to do it as well? Well the answer to
that question is – “No body likes to sin alone!” Ask Adam and Eve about that.
“But no man can tame the
tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God
and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude
[likeness] of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My
brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth
fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” – James 3:8-11
Does this seem like a trivial
thing to you? Well, it may seem that way but looking at a person of the
opposite sex lustfully may seem trivial – but Jesus said you are guilt of adultery
if the temptation settles into your heart.
The word says “Don’t do it.” The world says, “It’s not so bad – there
are a lot worse things than profanity.” This is what James said about it.
“For whoever shall keep the
whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” – James 2:10
That does not leave any
wiggle room. Sin is not OK, no matter
how trivial it might seem. How acceptable it might be among even your Christian
friends. Remember, people don’t like to sin alone – it other professing
Christians are doing it, it is easy to feel justified in doing it yourself. I
am reminded of the classic “Mom” question in response to me say “All my friends
are doing it”. “If your friends jumped off of a bridge, would you jump off too?”
Well …. Would you? Do you?
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For
His Glory Alone
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