Repercussions

"Come on! If anything, you're the only one it'll hurt."
This is a common lie that the world shoves down our throats. That what we do only affects ourselves. What we do, what we say affects everyone who hears us and everyone who sees us.

I'm sure you remember that kid in second grade that stole your animal crackers. What that person did affected you -- whether you knew it or not. Habbits, speach patterns make you who you are. So, as Christians, what kind of representative are you being?

Call me old fashioned, but I love watching old movies where the men opened doors, pulled out chairs, and stood up when a lady entered the room. That behavior had largely been lost today. Wouldn't it be a shock if a guy opened a car door for a girl? What about girls? We used to think keeping a home presentable was a joy! We used to back our men instead of tell them how we think things should be run...

Our behavior with the people who know us is just as important as our behavior with strangers. By no means can we pretend to be perfect, but under no circumstances is there EVER an excuse to not try our utmost to be representatives of Christ. I do not care if you are a quadriplegic or a 14 year-old that had a bad day at school; there is no excuse for not behaving in a Christ-like manner.

The question "What would Jesus do?" sounds juvenile doesn't it? We say, "That's just for kids," to justify our listening to music that has bad language or movies that have inappropriate scenes. We say, "It's not that bad," when we hear a bad word or see someone kiss for just a little too long. GOD HATES ALL SIN. If we could learn to hate sin as much as God does, could you imagine what we would be like?

Some would say that this is an impossible standard. I say, "Why?" We have to look at our lives and our world and examine our hearts to find our true love. Do we honor and respect and love God to the point that we do not listen to songs that have the "D-word" in them -- even if it's only once? Do we not watch TV shows that are good, but the commercials in between ought to be rated pg-13 at the least?

We must not only "keep out of the bad" but we must also go out of our way to do good! --
Matthew 5:46-48 "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing {than others?} Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."--
Do you know the lady down the street? Maybe she needs help with her lawn. Do you know that kid in Algebra class that needs a little help studying? The elder is an example to the younger, and, youth, be such amazing examples that the elder must see you and take note.

Where do your loyalties truly lie? And whom owns the whole of your heart?