This past weekend, Pastor Tito (from Peru) was teaching about our need as believers to live our lives for Christ and Him alone. He was explaining that in Latin America, Christians are watched very closely. If they live a life in contrast to what they say they believe, then the unbelievers call them out for it at humiliating times.

He went on to explain that they go so far as to keep lists of wrongs committed by believers, especially pastors. These lists are brought up at times when Christ is being shared with them. Part of his point was that evangelism in Latin America, needs not to focus on lording Christianity over unbelievers as if they are second class citizens, but to build relationships with them, and letting them see who we really are as believers. Imperfect people who follow hard after Jesus.

It is no different here, but often we try to make ourselves believe it is. We are not shy about doing things we know are not right, because we want to be accepted by our peer groups. We want to be seen as "cool," and do not even think about how our choices will impact our testimony.

I am not suggesting we become legalistic in our approach to our faith, but that we simply stop to think about how our chosen actions may be interpreted by an unbelieving audience. Are we following Christs example by how we live our lives?

Recently, a young lady that I know is a believer, posted pictures of herself on the internet from a Halloween party. This is generally an opportune time to dress up in costume regalia, and to be somebody you are not for an evening. This can be a great deal of fun.

I have noticed, however, that many believers use this time to dress in ways that are generally inappropriate. Maybe a better way to put it is that they dress in ways that if they were standing in Christs presence they probably would not choose to dress.

Considering whether or not what we are doing would be pleasing to Christ is a good barometer for decision making.

It's a bit startling then to stop and evaluate the fact that if we are believers, His Holy Spirit dwells in us and we take Him wherever we go. How then do we justify our decisions to overtly choose to do things that would not be pleasing to Him?

The enemy has us believing the lie that it is okay to justify anything as long as we don't mean any harm.

Those who don't believe aren't looking at our intentions. They are looking for the Truth in what we do and say. If we don't show them this by how we live, then who are we a better witness for, Christ or the enemy?

In her pictures posted on the web, this young lady displays herself in provocative clothing. While I'm certain she would consider most of her pictures to be harmless and fun, she has included at least one that is nearly pornographic.

This same young lady, leads worship on Sunday.

Many would say I am being "Pharisaical." Others, that I am "casting the first stone."

Perhaps I am.

While I know that I am far from perfect, and that I make mistakes and some of them are on display for many to see, I believe that the Lord's heart breaks when we as a body behave in this way, believing it to not be hurting anyone.

Somehow, some way, we must begin to hold one another accountable for our actions. It does not have to be in condemnation. It should be in love.

At any rate, we must stop justifying sinful actions because those Christ wants to draw to Himself are watching.

While it is impossible to be perfect, it is possible to strive for a life lived as the Bible teaches.

I truly hope you understand my point, today.

dad