As christians, or holy people, we must be careful the people we admire, and hold in high regard!
Even in christian circles, we might long to be friends with some people, and when we finally get an opportunity to, shock awaits us! But we end up overlooking the shock, letting our desire to be closer to those people override truth, or principle, even if it might offend God.
Let me give my example;
When I was younger, and very innocent in my spiritual walk, I shunned vulgar language. It was a NO (and still is) since it was preached against, and we were raised cautioned against such. But on growing up, due to little discernment, and much curiosity, I watched all these movies and series where ‘f’ words flew about.
That’s why the media and arts mountains have to be taken over by heavenly ambassadors. My subconsciousness registered — in the long run — unbeknownst to me, that perhaps cussing was okay.
I then began finding my tongue going that direction.
1 Peter 3:10 says, ‘For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.’ The ESV, Proverbs 4:24 says, ‘Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.’
The KJV states ‘Put away from thee a froward mouth.’ ‘Forward’ means with an evil disposition (arrangement). ‘f’ words are commonly known to be exclamations amid anger expressions. And knowing these scriptures, the Holy Spirit deep within would grieve whenever I said them.
It was hard — wait, not hard, — stupid; to use such, yet I reside with the epitome of holiness within.
The conviction put me back in line. And going forward, of course we watch stuff, but when I hear songs or shows with such, the only button left on the remote becomes the off one.
The scene changes … to this guy I’d always admired. We met, and yes, he is a christian, though I do not know his history. Maybe he just converted recently. Maybe he wasn’t in Sunday School like some of us. But at some point in the interaction, within 30 minutes, the ‘f’ words were flying about.
The first time I froze, hoping it was an accident, and wouldn’t happen again. Next thing I know it was like popping corn.
I’d feel the Spirit shudder, shaking his head disagreeably and in disapproval.
I almost responded to the guy with the same language, but the Spirit with that bombastic side eye said, ‘Don’t you dare!’
He reminded me of a scenario of a friend who would preach the gospel, but when she spoke of the people she didn’t like, she’d call them the last words I expected a christian to utter.
But since she was my idol, and a person I looked up to, suddenly I joined in, using the same words that she used.
I still remember, that legendary bombastic side eye smoldering my unjustness spinning me to repentance.
I write to exhort you, to watch out for such; however dear the person might be to you. It’s hard for the worldly person to influence us, but if they are christian as well, we can be easily convinced that what is wrong is right. Being unequally yoked is not just between a christian and a non-christian. It goes beyond and as far as speech, friendships, beliefs or even dressing.
Someone may be a christian, but not as knowledgeable. They too will begin speaking as those of the world, declaring, ‘life is hard’, ‘jobs are scarce’, ‘the economy is unfavorable’ — all contrary to God’s word.
But the Bible says He came that you might have; one: life, and two: life abundantly. It says those that trust in the Lord won’t see the heat when it comes. It says your leaf won’t wither, and your leaf shall be green all year!
It is possible for one of the lesser faith to influence you, even if you have more — especially if they are your idol. It is also possible for the one with more faith to influence the one with lesser…
Conclusively, I pray for you, that you’ll discern, when and where to guard your heart and mind from frowardness, and that you will be bold to call out the vice from fellow brethren in the case that you see it, especially if the holy scriptures are clear about it and against!
Other times, it could be a decision, a decision say to stay home, instead of to the battle, and you’d end up falling for a Bathsheba bathing, thinking she’s not being watched, and yet your house is the tallest around.
It’d be a decision to eat meats and all available, and yet you’re part of Daniel’s lot, whose consecration required that you need only eat vegetables. And just like that, you’d transgress the ordeal preparing you for purpose, preparing you to be chosen by the king to serve him as an advisor!
Ah! (Deep sigh)
I pray that God as well gives you the upper hand of influence firstly over your flesh, and secondly, over others, to help Him convict, and cause them to repent to the standard He requires of all of us! And to help your personal turning from other vices you’d have been tricked into accepting as right, and yet, are not.
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