colossions 3: 1 - 11NKJV
The question came up recently of what we should consider christ like behavior. I should say, what should we consider christian behavior? One of our group members seems to take enjoyment from playing in card tournaments. Now, I will say that I have told him, and I believe, that this activity is not immoral. Rather, I see it as a brother taking enjoyment in his spare time. Trust me, I would rather he do this that indulge in alchohol, drugs, prostitution or any other number of ungodly behaviors. I'm sure that his family would agree. What brought this into discussion was his uneasiness that his actions while playing cards would not be approved of by Christ for one of His followers. These actions include possibly being deceitful in misleading other players as to our true intentions. Now, anyone who has played poker before knows that a certain element of dishonesty is inherent in the game. The poker face, the optional sunglasses in a bright room all seek to mislead or conceal the hand one is holding. Now, I will admit that I have never indulged in playing poker. I am not foolish enough to convince myself that I am any good at the game. However, what of the man who indulges his time in enjoyment of this game? Should there be a special judgement reserved for such people? Why? I am inclined to ask just what the difference is between the man who fears he is being deceitful while playing poker and the mans who calls his wife from the bar where he is watching football with friends and deceives her by saying he will "Be home soon?" Are not both brothers being deceitul in their own way? What of the man who wanders off fishing or hunting while neglecting his duties at home? My point here is that we can all too often cherry pick the "Sins" of other believers.
1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2“For with what bjudgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
Matthew 7: 1 - 6 NKJV
I am reminded of what Christ Jesus Himself told those who were gathered on the mount of Olives that day. Why do we look for the sin of another, when there is plenty to see if we only will look in the mirror. Or is there? As our brother had doubts on his hobby, Dennis was quick to affirm that, as for we who have accepted Christ Jesus, our sins past, present and future have been erased forever. So, I dare say that the worries of my brother are unfounded. I can attest to the charachter of this man, who is a true follower of Jesus. To even suggest that he would purposely engage in something which ran contrary to his beliefs would be met with my highest doubt. So what shall we say, then, to the brother or sister who may feel that tug of guilt in their behavior. Well, I would suggest, as the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8, that there is indeed no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus who walk now according to His spirit which is within us. For as followers of Jesus we live each and every day AS HIM. Therefore, something very unique happens when we ultimately realize this fact of who we really are. For if and when those behaviors which may be contrary to Christ within us come about, we can proclaim with much confidence..."THAT ISN'T THE MAN I AM!"
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