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- Feb 9, 2004
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- 17,078
Mean What You Say - August 13, 2005
"Such persons claim they know God but from seeing the way they act, one knows they don't. They are rotten and disobedient, worthless so far as doing anything good is concerned." Titus 1:16
Several Athiests who I have spoken with claim they want no part of the community of God because they don't like the hypocrisy they see. They see people who, in word, proclaim Christ's message of love, yet their actions sometimes tell a very different story. Of course I tell them that no man can compare to the one perfect God because we all have fallen short of salvation, and it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. However, such words often ring hollow since one cannot truly justify hatred and disobedience.
I'm sure we all know someone who insists they believe in God, regardless of what sect they belong to, yet, they sometimes treat others cruelly and judge others unfairly and harshly based on skin color, nationality or something else which identifies them as being different. We may know that God desires for us to love one another and treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated. But if this is the case, then why do we sometimes utter hate-filled remarks such as, "Oh, you know how those people are; not well-bred and very uneducated!", or, "I dont mind them, but I wouldnt want one of my kids to marry one!"
Then of course, there is the type of hatred and disobedience some of us even display when we are driving our cars on a busy highway. We tend to be quick to anger, lacking patience and kindness, somtimes muttering curse words and using vulgar hand gestures that insult God and the faith we claim to hold dear.
This list could go on and on, but I am sure you get the point: how we behave can either be a positive testament of our faith, or a negative way in which to turn people off from wanting anything to do God. This is something we all are guilty of at one time or another, myself included.
If you have been living the life of a Christian in name only, won't you recommit to the faith by making today a better day, not just for yourself and God, but for those around you whether they be friends, loved ones, associates or complete strangers?
If you have not yet made the decision to invite God and His son, Jesus Christ, into your life, won't you give those of us who may have disappointed you another chance? He is indeed a God of positive transformation!
Contributed by Melanie Schurr
"Such persons claim they know God but from seeing the way they act, one knows they don't. They are rotten and disobedient, worthless so far as doing anything good is concerned." Titus 1:16
Several Athiests who I have spoken with claim they want no part of the community of God because they don't like the hypocrisy they see. They see people who, in word, proclaim Christ's message of love, yet their actions sometimes tell a very different story. Of course I tell them that no man can compare to the one perfect God because we all have fallen short of salvation, and it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. However, such words often ring hollow since one cannot truly justify hatred and disobedience.
I'm sure we all know someone who insists they believe in God, regardless of what sect they belong to, yet, they sometimes treat others cruelly and judge others unfairly and harshly based on skin color, nationality or something else which identifies them as being different. We may know that God desires for us to love one another and treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated. But if this is the case, then why do we sometimes utter hate-filled remarks such as, "Oh, you know how those people are; not well-bred and very uneducated!", or, "I dont mind them, but I wouldnt want one of my kids to marry one!"
Then of course, there is the type of hatred and disobedience some of us even display when we are driving our cars on a busy highway. We tend to be quick to anger, lacking patience and kindness, somtimes muttering curse words and using vulgar hand gestures that insult God and the faith we claim to hold dear.
This list could go on and on, but I am sure you get the point: how we behave can either be a positive testament of our faith, or a negative way in which to turn people off from wanting anything to do God. This is something we all are guilty of at one time or another, myself included.
If you have been living the life of a Christian in name only, won't you recommit to the faith by making today a better day, not just for yourself and God, but for those around you whether they be friends, loved ones, associates or complete strangers?
If you have not yet made the decision to invite God and His son, Jesus Christ, into your life, won't you give those of us who may have disappointed you another chance? He is indeed a God of positive transformation!
Contributed by Melanie Schurr