Living It Dare #8

Friday May 8, 2009 | (0) Comments | James Waugh

Our words can sting and they can hurt. How many of us can remember a time when we were disappointed by a rude comment someone made? On the other hand, how many of us have made that type of remark? All of us have been there. Yet, I am particularly mortified by the actions of Christians at ball games and other functions. Do we realize that our actions speak volumes to those around us? We yell and scream as if our comments are going to change the minds of an official or turn the game in our favor.

Did you hear about a football team from Faith Christian School in Grapevine, who played a team from the Gainesville prison? The prison team never had fans at their games, so Coach Hogan asked half of his parents to sit on the opposing side and cheer for these young men. They even made a banner for them to run through at the beginning of the game. The prison team lost the game by two touchdowns but was invited to the center of the field to participate in a team prayer. One of the players from the Gainesville prison asked to say a prayer. He said he had never had anyone cheer him for anything he had ever done, and he thanked the fans.

That is impact!

In their book, Unchristian, David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons explore the perceptions outsiders have of Christians. These results are not from older people but from those ages 16 to 29. 87% of them think Christians are too judgmental. 85% think we are hypocritical – we say one thing and do another, and 70% say we are insensitive to others.

How did our unchristian friends arrive at those conclusions? They watch us. They see us in action every day. Here is Living It Dare #8 – Let your words be filled with grace and love at any and all activities you attend throughout the year. It may not change the perception others have of us, but it is a start in the right direction.

Love you all,

James

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32).

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