When Charles Barkley proclaimed in 1993 that he was not a role model, the press had a field day. For decades kids have wanted to emulate their favorite sports hero. Untold numbers of Little Leaguers have mimicked the Willie Stargell bat swing. Legions of NBA hopefuls have spent countless hours practicing MJ's fade away jumpshot. I wonder how many 11 year-old boys have written a 5th grade essay stating, "I want to be like Billy Graham with I grow up."? Not many I would guess.
But Blackaby reminds Christians that we are role models. Our lives do affect those around us. He asks some rather pointed questions in today's reading. Are the sinful influences in our work environment being halted because we are there? Is our community a better place because we are involved in it? What about our church? Our family?
Like it or not, we are held to a higher standard. We are expected to act, speak and think differently than those without Christ in their lives. Am I allowing God to use me to make the world a better place? Not just by recycling. Even nonChristians do that. Not just by buying turkeys for the holiday baskets. Even atheists do that. But does my life count for something eternal? Am I allowing God to use me as a preserving agent to help my small part of the world become spiritually a better place rather than worse?
Wish Blackaby would quit meddling! :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment