If I cuss someone out (which I would not do), one time, people will remember that more clearly than all the sermons or Bible lessons that they hear from me.
If I whine and complain (which I would not do), people will recall that more easily than my testimony or praise.
They will see those low moments in my life as the actual level of my attainment rather than the lofty words I speak.
If I post negativity (which I hope I do not do), I project negativity, I encase myself in negativity. Therefore I need to GUARD MY WORDS, since they reveal what is in my heart or at least reveal what is on my mind at the moment.
HOWEVER, there is a better, more effective way to protect my witness. I need to GUARD MY HEART.
REMEMBER, God's word says,
Psalms 19:14
(14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
And,
Psalms 139:23-24
(23) Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
(24) And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Murmuring, complaining, fault finding will reveal our real selves, ruin our witness and ministry to others and result in God's judgment.
The answer is not an outward display of civility, covering an angry heart; the answer is a heart that is purified and set free from carnality.
(in response to a comment someone made)
There are several issues here, and I know I will only be scratching the surface in this response. Please feel free to ask for clarification. I know I might not say it clearly enough.
If we are Christians, we are witnesses, whether good or bad witnesses. God calls us to be good witnesses and He enables us to be good witnesses, though such salvation is seldom preached or taught today. He has done everything necessary to make it possible for us to be good witnesses. It is our decision whether we will appropriate the grace He provides.
Even when we are the best witnesses we can be, other people can still misunderstand or misrepresent us. We are not accountable for that, as long as we are fully following Christ. We are answerable to one Master, God. Remember, God expects us to not be a stumbling block to other people or an offence. Not only does He forbid us doing evil things, He wants us to live with such love for others that we do not intentionally do acceptable things that cause them to fall.
Christ is the only measurement that any of us have. Being a good witness is not trying to be the measurement for other people, though we are told to be an example to other believers. We are the living letters of God to this world. We are the only message and image of Christ that some people will see. God calls us to be genuine and to be honest. We must not fake it. He will enable us to do that which is pleasing in His sight.
But what if we find real and legitimate areas of our lives that are stumbling blocks to other people? We need to find out how God wants to deliver us from these problems and then we need to follow Him in faith to the deliverance He offers. It may take sacrifice and self denial and even humility, but the end result of being conformed to the image of Jesus is worth it. Being a self sacrificing follower of Christ is not a life of misery. It is the life of joy, peace and power.
We all have bad days. However, having a bad day does not mean we have to have a bad attitude, a bad demeanor, a bad behavior. Jesus had fullness of joy, but He was also a "man of sorrows." However, He did not allow His "bad days" to change Him for the worse. Being a good witness does not mean that we are anyone's doormat or that we have to please them and satisfy their standards. But, God enables us, in the midst of our trials to still be the faithful witness that He wants us to be. Think about this: why should I lose my witness when going through minor trials, when so many others have maintained Christ likeness, while they were facing attacks, physical trauma, imprisonment, loss of loved ones and even death. Western Christians have been led to believe it is acceptable to live on the lower level of feelings and self orientation rather than the level of faith and self sacrifice.
Being without guile, without blame does not mean that we reveal everything we know and feel. We do not lose our privacy, but we do lose the right to harbor evil thoughts and intents. God will deliver us from these things as we bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
A total commitment and a daily walk with Christ does make us good role models. This does not mean we cannot fail. But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father. For those who are following fully, the faithful walk is the norm. The failed moment does not have to happen, but if it does, it should be the extreme rarity and it must be repented of.
If we fail in some way, it should certainly not be in a moral meltdown. It is probable that such a display indicates other areas of concern that were not being addressed earlier.
Finally, we, on the other hand, should be the most loving and gracious to other people when they fail.
REMEMBER, God's word says,
Psalms 19:14
(14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
And,
Psalms 139:23-24
(23) Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
(24) And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Murmuring, complaining, fault finding will reveal our real selves, ruin our witness and ministry to others and result in God's judgment.
The answer is not an outward display of civility, covering an angry heart; the answer is a heart that is purified and set free from carnality.
(in response to a comment someone made)
There are several issues here, and I know I will only be scratching the surface in this response. Please feel free to ask for clarification. I know I might not say it clearly enough.
If we are Christians, we are witnesses, whether good or bad witnesses. God calls us to be good witnesses and He enables us to be good witnesses, though such salvation is seldom preached or taught today. He has done everything necessary to make it possible for us to be good witnesses. It is our decision whether we will appropriate the grace He provides.
Even when we are the best witnesses we can be, other people can still misunderstand or misrepresent us. We are not accountable for that, as long as we are fully following Christ. We are answerable to one Master, God. Remember, God expects us to not be a stumbling block to other people or an offence. Not only does He forbid us doing evil things, He wants us to live with such love for others that we do not intentionally do acceptable things that cause them to fall.
Christ is the only measurement that any of us have. Being a good witness is not trying to be the measurement for other people, though we are told to be an example to other believers. We are the living letters of God to this world. We are the only message and image of Christ that some people will see. God calls us to be genuine and to be honest. We must not fake it. He will enable us to do that which is pleasing in His sight.
But what if we find real and legitimate areas of our lives that are stumbling blocks to other people? We need to find out how God wants to deliver us from these problems and then we need to follow Him in faith to the deliverance He offers. It may take sacrifice and self denial and even humility, but the end result of being conformed to the image of Jesus is worth it. Being a self sacrificing follower of Christ is not a life of misery. It is the life of joy, peace and power.
We all have bad days. However, having a bad day does not mean we have to have a bad attitude, a bad demeanor, a bad behavior. Jesus had fullness of joy, but He was also a "man of sorrows." However, He did not allow His "bad days" to change Him for the worse. Being a good witness does not mean that we are anyone's doormat or that we have to please them and satisfy their standards. But, God enables us, in the midst of our trials to still be the faithful witness that He wants us to be. Think about this: why should I lose my witness when going through minor trials, when so many others have maintained Christ likeness, while they were facing attacks, physical trauma, imprisonment, loss of loved ones and even death. Western Christians have been led to believe it is acceptable to live on the lower level of feelings and self orientation rather than the level of faith and self sacrifice.
Being without guile, without blame does not mean that we reveal everything we know and feel. We do not lose our privacy, but we do lose the right to harbor evil thoughts and intents. God will deliver us from these things as we bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
A total commitment and a daily walk with Christ does make us good role models. This does not mean we cannot fail. But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father. For those who are following fully, the faithful walk is the norm. The failed moment does not have to happen, but if it does, it should be the extreme rarity and it must be repented of.
If we fail in some way, it should certainly not be in a moral meltdown. It is probable that such a display indicates other areas of concern that were not being addressed earlier.
Finally, we, on the other hand, should be the most loving and gracious to other people when they fail.
