You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." Romans 2:23-24
The biggest problem with Christianity is Christians. We are our own worst enemies. How many times have you heard it said of church, "Oh, I won't go there because the people are hypocrites"? It isn't the teaching that keeps them away. It's the teachers. And every man who claims to know Christ yet reflects ungodliness is a teacher. The world learns that the church is not a safe place of acceptance and love. What we say with our mouths, we often negate with our action.
I met a man in a Christian support group several weeks ago. I don't know him well; he is not really more than an acquaintance, but I admire him already. This man has struggled a great deal with what life has dealt him. Most men facing what he has would have quit on life a long time ago. I respect what he says, yet this morning I am torn.
Last night, in almost the same breath, he shared powerful words of wisdom about how blessed he is by his wife and how he is putting into action a plan to take his life. My human nature says, "What a load of bull!" How can he so wonderfully verbalize how his wife has stood by him, while he plans to abandon her? How can I respect anything he says? His own words betray him!
Interestingly, almost immediately after his confession, his body seemed to betray him as well. Moments after his grand oratory about the relationship between husband and wife, he admitted to our group that he was experiencing severe chest pains. After racing from the room, with someone quickly following, he lay on the floor struggling as his heart seemed to turn on him. I have never witnessed a heart attack before. It was quite an experience. My prayer this morning is that he made it through the night and is better today. Certainly, I would have heard by now if he hadn't.
The whole experience has me thinking. How many times have I said one thing and done another? How many times have I blasphemed the name of God because my words didn't match my actions? How will my blasphemy be discovered? Will my heart betray me?
Lord, help me to live the life I long to teach. Help me to learn from all this. May You be glorified by Your Church - and by me.
~ Afternoon Post Script... He is doing well today. In the hospital for some tests. Lord, touch his body. Touch his spirit. Heal his heart.