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“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

I need to share a secondhand experience. Not to gossip, but to serve as an example—a burst of revelation akin to seeing the brightest explosion of fireworks that in mere moments burns out to blackness. Therefore, the names (and entire setting) have been changed to protect the guilty.

There are so many levels of horror in this scenario. But each aspect of the wrong provides a reflective surface, allowing me—and us as professing Christians—to assess our own behaviors as we walk through the world. I’ll address this situation using a series of negative questions.

1) Do we use our actions and/or words to intentionally shame and embarrass others? This could be pointed at the person we’re directly interacting with…or, because of the way we’re interacting with some third person (shouting at or shaming them), we embarrass the one(s) we’re with. How is this representing Jesus?

2) Are we unaware of those around us who might be (well, they are) looking at us to personify a “Christian”? Do we act like the world (or worse) and then expect those witnesses to want anything to do with Christ?

3) Worse, do we act like the world (or worse) in front of young Christians who may be looking to us to exemplify what it means to be a mature Christian? Do we care that those harsh words or actions could cause someone on the fence to jump off on the side without Jesus and walk away?

4) Do we forget that we are called to be leaders and shepherds (whether it’s to our children, friends, or a massive organization), and that our behavior imprints on those we lead—especially the negative behavior? I like using the analogy of baking a delicious cake and using just a teaspoon of dog poop—I know, gross. Clearly, that small additive ruins the whole cake. And no matter how beautiful it looks, how many layers of enticing icing are added, those witnesses know it’s full of, well, you know.

Convicted? Yeah, me too.

Sisters, if we profess to love the Lord and His Word, let’s focus daily on reflecting that in our actions. Will we slip up? Of course! Will we shout in anger or say the wrong thing? Absolutely! But how we live—at work, at home, at play—must always be filtered through the glorious righteousness bestowed on us through the precious blood of Jesus.

“Lord, remind me every day to share Your love through my life. Help me to not turn others away from You but bring them closer.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry